Asian Games Football: All-time head-to-head record between India & Saudi Arabia

India met Saudi Arabia in the Asian Games back in 1982.

After squaring off against Myanmar at the Xiaoshan Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou on Sunday in the final encounter of their group fixtures, the Indian football team have made it to the Round Of 16 of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games after 13 years. Saudi Arabia, on the other side, thrashed Mongolia 3-0 after drawing 0-0 with Iran in their Asian Games opener. In their final group stage match, Saudi Arabia triumphed 3-1 over Vietnam.

Saudi Arabia will now be the Blue Tigers' opponent in their Round of 16 match on September 28 at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium, and Igor Stimac and his team will undoubtedly face a tough battle. Given that India has lost all three prior meetings with Saudi Arabia, the pressure will be compounded.

The knockout match between India and Saudi Arabia in this Asian Games is a highly anticipated one due to the intense nature of this rivalry. It's thus certain that the forthcoming meeting between these two sides will continue to display the same fierce attitude and provide fans a thrilling contest to sit back and enjoy.

Historical Significance

The Asian Games match on November 27, 1982 marked the beginning of India and Saudi Arabia's football history, and the fixture ever since has been highlighted by a competitive and entertaining rivalry. Both sides have competed in the AFC Asian Cup, where they have occasionally encountered one another.

According to statistics, Saudi Arabia has outperformed India in head-to-head matches, winning more games overall. While India has occasionally struggled in international football, Saudi Arabia has always been one of the strongest sides in Asian football.

India and Saudi Arabia tied on H2H records

In the previous three meetings between these two teams, Saudi Arabia remained undefeated. The fact that India have never defeated Saudi Arabia means that this would be a new challenge for them. Two of the three fights were fought in India, with the third in Riyadh, giving India the advantage of favourable weather and enthusiastic home crowds. Igor Stimac's side will face a fresh challenge in this forthcoming match because it will be held at a neutral location without the benefit of home support.

The Blue Tigers will want to keep up their good momentum following a strong showing against Bangladesh and Myanmar in the group fixtures. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia will be eager to extend their winning run against India and continue their streak of being undefeated.

The Asian Games RO16 showdown

Whoever wins this match advances to the next round of the Asian Games, therefore both sides will be hoping to win and qualify for the quarter-finals, since winning competitions like the Asian Games boosts the country's dignity. Thus, Saudi Arabia will strive to extend their winning run against India in this R016 match, whereas Igor Stimac's India will face a fresh challenge and will focus on winning against one of the top Asian football teams and advance to the next round.

India vs Saudi Arabia: All 3 meetings

Saudi Arabia v India 1-0 (Asian Games) - 27 Nov 1982

Saudi Arabia v India 3-0 (AFC Asian Cup) - 16 Aug 2006

Saudi Arabia v India 7-1 (AFC Asian Cup) - 06 Sep 2006

India vs Saudi Arabia: Overall head-to-head record

Games played: 3

Saudi Arabia wins: 3

India wins: 0

Draws: 0