Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s qualification campaign was virtually perfect, as they completed their tasks through the second-round group stage and went on to win the most difficult group, finishing ahead of Japan and Australia in round three. The team’s impressive record of four victories out of four put them in a strong position, and they subsequently showed their newfound grit by playing the Socceroo’s to a hard-fought 0-0 stalemate in Sydney.

The fact that the team competes only in domestic competitions is still a problem. Although this results in fewer opportunities to compete on the international stage, it is beneficial for the team’s preparations and training camps.

The team, coached by Herve Renard, first appeared on the world stage in 1994 and advanced to the round of 16, but since then they have only won one game in four trips, and that victory came against Egypt in 2018 in a match that was considered meaningless. They have a lot of success in Asia, but they don’t have much experience playing against teams from South America or Europe.

Recently, his contract was extended to run through 2027 when he revitalized the team’s spirit, making Saudi Arabia versatile, combative, and confident.

TACTICS

Renard has changed the club’s style of play to be more patient and based on keeping the ball. However, they can still move the ball quickly when they need to, with the full-backs in particular storming forward.

In comparison to Asia, it is anticipated that they will employ a more counter-attacking strategy during the World Cup. 

READY TO SHINE

Salem Al-Dawsari

Over the past year or so, the wideman has established himself as one of the best players to come out of Asia, and he is capable of scoring some impressive goals.