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Saudi Arabia head into their final group clash against Mexico knowing that a win will book a spot in the knockout stages for just the second time in their history.
A draw too may be enough depending on the result of the clash between Argentina and
Poland but the Saudis are approaching things positively in looking for the three points that
will make things certain, according to coach Herve Renard.
“We know that we can make history for Saudi football and the most important thing is that
we’re still alive.
“Mexico has a lot of experience in the World Cup and a better record than Saudi Arabia so
the players need to know that although this is a very good generation of players that if they
want the fans to remember them they have to make history.”
The challenge is clearly a difficult one against a Mexican side that have a lengthy pedigree in
progressing from the group stage at World Cups and that starts with trying to keep things
tight at the back.
That’s been a clear issue for the Green Falcons who have only managed to keep one clean
sheet in 18 World Cup outings, and much therefore may be hinging on the fitness of star
central defender Hassan Al-Tambakti who missed the 2-0 defeat to Poland through injury.
Renard will be forced into at least one change with central midfielder Abdulelah Al-Malki
suspended whilst star forward Salem Al-Dawsari – who could join the legendary Sami Al-
Jaber as Saudi Arabia’s top World Cup scorer with another goal here – seems to have shaken
off injury concerns.
What seems certain is that the Saudis will look to maintain their positive, attacking,
approach that served them so well in the first two matches and look to, as Renard said, end
the match without any regrets.
“This is one of the most important matches in my career and the most important thing in
life is to live without regrets so we will come with determination and humility and hope with
the crowd support we believe that we can create history.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SALEM AL-DAWSARI – The left winger/forward in a dynamic Saudi front three, Al-Dawsari has his nation’s most dangerous creative threat so far in Qatar. Able to cut in and provide crosses or shoot himself he also possesses a clear threat with the ball at his feet and running at defenders.
MOHAMED KANNO – The towering central option has been a dominant presence in the heart of the Saudi midfield in their opening two matches. Graceful on the ball, strong in the tackle and with good movement both in and out of possession he’s very much the tempo-setter in the Saudi 4-3-3 setup.
Embed from Getty ImagesSAUD ABDULHAMID – The lively right-back has been a standout for the Green Falcons in their first two matches proving to be a threat going forward and sound in his defensive work.
WHAT THEY SAID
Herve Renard – Saudi Arabia coach
“You ask me what is the key to beating Mexico and I’lltell you that I’m looking for that key and hope to find it tomorrow.
“We need to be 200% focused and we’re confident and not scared of anybody.
“No one around the world thought that we could play with this level. Yes, in Saudi Arabia we know the players well, but they are unknown to the fans around the world.”
Mohamed Kanno – Saudi Arabia midfielder
“The Mexican squad is good, with a high physicality and it will be a tough game and we hope to live up to expectations.
“We have to give it our all as one team and we are all thinking of this as a life or death
match in order to write Saudi football history.”
PREDICTIONS
Scott McIntyre
Saudi Arabia 2-1 Mexico
Michael Church
Saudi Arabia 1-0 Mexico
Paul Williams
Saudi Arabia 2-1 Mexico
Martin Lowe
Saudi Arabia 2-2 Mexico
Photo: twitter/SaudiNT
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