World Cup CHECK | Saudi Arabia: “Green Falcons” as the underdog

The undisputed star of the Saudis, who have three Spanish legionnaires in their squad: Fahad Al-Muwallad (Levante), Yahya Al-Shehri (Leganes) and Salem Al-Dawsari (Villarreal), is Mohammed Al-Sahlawi. The 31-year-old striker was the top scorer in qualifying with 16 goals. In the two games against “snack opponents” East Timor alone, Al-Sahlawi netted eight times.

But now other calibers are waiting for the 1994 World Cup round of 50, who has only been looked after by Juan Antonio Pizzi since the end of November last year. The Argentine native, who turns XNUMX a week before the Saudis' opening World Cup game, originally wanted to travel with Chile to the World Cup in Russia. But after failing to qualify, the Spanish ex-international's days with the Copa America winners were numbered.

After the Saudi association leadership was unable to agree on a new contract with the successful Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk after qualifying for the World Cup, Edgardo Bauza actually took over the team. But the Argentine was fired after just two months due to poor test match results and replaced by his compatriot Pizzi.

Sami Al-Jaber, who has been a regular player in all four of Saudi Arabia's previous World Cup appearances and ended his international career at the 2006 finals in Germany, appreciates the Argentine-Spanish dual citizen as a "good and experienced coach and a great person". According to the 45-year-old former goalscorer, the opening game at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium will be decisive for his compatriots.

“We were very lucky because we got to play the opening game of the World Cup for the first time. Millions of people will watch Saudi Arabia's performance after its long-term absence from the world stage," Al-Jaber emphasized, referring to June 14. “It won't be easy to play against Russia in Moscow, in the presence of the President and numerous fans, but it is a unique event. This game can be a first step towards qualifying for the next round or just an unforgettable memory.”

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

World Cup CHECK | Saudi Arabia: “Green Falcons” as the underdog

After a twelve-year absence, Saudi Arabia is back at a World Cup finals. The “Green Falcons” are considered outsiders in Group A with hosts Russia, two-time former world champions Uruguay and record African champions Egypt.

Suggestions

Comments (0)