Their golden run continued as they qualified for the next three World Cups, with a new crop of players, but could not replicate their 1994 performance and failed to win a single game. The 2002 tournament brought the ignominy of their biggest World Cup defeat, 8-0 at the hands of Germany. The Green Falcons underwent frequent coaching changes during the 2010s and failed to qualify for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. They finally qualified for the 2018 tournament, and although they failed to progress, they earned a 2-1 win over neighbours Egypt. Saudi Arabia registered just one defeat in their World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing ahead of Japan and Australia in their group [Ahmed Yosri/Reuters] The current crop of Saudi players is relatively young, with an average age of just 23. French coach Herve Renard, who led Zambia and Ivory Coast to African Cup of Nations titles in 2012 and 2015 respectively, took charge of Saudi Arabia in 2019 and has overseen their qualification for this World Cup.
40pm AEST on Tuesday, 7 June. All matches including finals will be exclusive to Paramount+, as the stars of the future showcase their skills on the world stage. AFC U23 Asian Cup – live and exclusive on Paramount+ Wednesday, 1 June: Iran v Qatar live from 10. 50pm AEST Wednesday, 1 June: Australia v Kuwait live from 10.
The Green Falcons will aim to replicate their best finish and move into the knock-out rounds, as they did in 1994. And they will have plenty of support given they are playing so close to home and in a country they share a border with. After dominating regional football and winning the Asian Cup twice in the 1980s, Saudi Arabia finally qualified for their first World Cup in 1994 with an all-star team. Led by legendary forward Majed Abdullah, the team had players such as Said al-Owairan, Sami al-Jaber, Fahad al-Bishi and record-breaking goalkeeper Mohamed al-Deayea.
After losing their opening match to the Netherlands despite a solid display, Saudi Arabia started strongly against Morocco and sealed their first World Cup points with a 2-1 win. Their final game and chance to qualify for the round-of-16 came against Belgium, who were yet to concede a goal or lose a match in the 1994 tournament. Five minutes into the match, al-Owairan scored arguably the most famous goal in Saudi history. The attacking midfielder started his run from well within his own half and befuddled five Belgians on his way to the goal, where he coolly slotted past the goalkeeper to write his name into the history books.
PARAMOUNT+ releases fixture for WORLD CUP play-off and AFC U23 ASIAN CUPAttention turns to international competition as the stars of the future, and Australia’s best shoot for glory this week live and exclusive on Network 10 and Paramount+. It’s all on the line as the Socceroos pursue their quest to book a spot in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Aussies’ Road to Qatar continues with a friendly this Thursday against Jordan live from 3. 30am AEST on 10, 10 Play and Paramount+. Then it’s crunch time, set your alarms and don the green and gold, as the Socceroos face United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off live from 3. 30am AEST next Wednesday, 8 June exclusive to 10, 10 Play and Paramount+.
Win this and Australia advance to their next play-off match against Peru, lose and the 2022 World Cup dream is over. The AFC U23 Asian Cup group matches get underway today including Australia’s Olyroos campaign as they tackle Kuwait live from 10. 50pm AEST before their second group match against Iraq on Saturday, 4 June live from 10. 50pm AEST. The Olyroos then face Jordan in their third and final group stage match live from 10.
Saudi Arabia relying on close-to-home support at World Cup 2022Qatar’s closest neighbours don’t have far to travel and may only have a short stay in the tournamentPrevious World Cup appearances: 5 Titles: 0 Best finish: Round of 16 (1994) World Cup record: W3 L11 D2 Goals: 11 Biggest win: 2-1 vs Egypt (2018) vs Morocco (1994) Player to watch: Firas al-Buraikan Ranking: 51 Fixtures: Argentina (November 22), Poland (November 26), Mexico (November 30) Saudi Arabia are no strangers to the World Cup, having played in five tournaments before Qatar 2022.
The Frenchman has mixed things up in the squad since taking over, and has introduced several fresh faces picked from the under-23 squad, with Firas al-Buraikan making his senior team debut at the age of 19. Al-Buraikan has already scored 11 goals and has now become a permanent fixture in the Saudi attack, with promising runs down the flank suiting coach Renard’s attack-from-the-wings gameplan in his preferred 4-3-2-1 formation. Captain Salman al-Faraj, meanwhile, is key to the Saudi midfield. From helping out in the attack with his accurate passing, to keeping the opponent’s attacks in check, al-Faraj will hope his leadership can bring results.
The Saudis held on for the next 85 minutes and made their way into the round-of-16. Once out of the group stages, they met the mighty Swedes who took an early lead and did not allow the Saudis to press forward. Sweden won 3-1 but the Saudis won hearts of their supporters back home and of those who had turned out at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Texas.
Saudi Arabia U23 v Oman U23 Live Commentary, Nov 12, 2022
Australia U-23 News - Socceroos
