“I can’t see them progressing from their group,” was Greece coach Michael Skibbe’s prediction despite his young team losing to Saudi Arabia in a friendly recently. Juan Antonio Pizzi’s Saudi Arabia played against 10-man Greece for 45 minutes, yet managed only two shots on target, one fewer than its opponent.
In another friendly, Saudi Arabia was thrashed 4-0 by Belgium.
Saudi Arabia booked its berth for Russia by taking maximum points from weak teams and doing enough against sides like Japan and Australia.
From then on, preparations have been far from ideal as the Saudi Football Federation sacked Dutchman Bert van Marwijk, who had guided the team through qualification, and Argentinean Edgardo Bauza, who lasted just five games.
Pizzi, who has been with the squad for five months, is worried about the lack of international experience of his players, drawn mainly from the top two domestic teams.
The group has Egypt, Uruguay and Russia, with the first two likely to go through.
The goal-poacher : Mohammad Al-Sahlawi
A hard-working forward who can flourish in tight spaces, Al-Sahlawi is pivotal to Saudi Arabia’s prospects of advancing to the knockout stage. The 30-year-old striker, with 16 goals in qualifying, was instrumental in helping the Saudis reach Russia. A three-week stint with Manchester United should have sharpened his skills. “I hope to follow in the footsteps of the team’s former stars and to be remembered as a great goalscorer,” he said in an interview to FIFA.com.
The Orchestrator : Fahad Al-Muwallad
He is integral to Saudi Arabia’s plans. The 23-year-old, who has the vision and range to supply passes to Al-Sahlawi, is speedy and does well keeping the ball close to his feet. He scored the all-important goal against Japan that sent the Saudis to the World Cup. Al-Muwallad’s consistent performances caught the eye of La Liga side Levante, but he didn't get enough opportunities to prove his worth.
29 : Average age of the squad
Coach quote : “I recall waking up one morning with my dad to watch Germany and the Saudis play. That game ended 8-0 to the Germans and has been engraved in my mind. For that reason, I fear another tough tournament for this team. We’ll see if they can prove me wrong.”
Did you know?
Saeed Al Owairan’s strike against Belgium in the 1994 World Cup is considered one of the greatest goals of all time. He ran from his own half, weaved past a few Belgian defenders and blasted the ball home.
