Saudi Arabia’s squad may not feature a lot of big named players that fans of international football would be familiar with. However, their solid performances during qualifiers should give the Saudis hope.
They’re playing hosts Russia in the World Cup debut game. It will be a perfect opportunity for the Saudis to announce themselves to the world.
They’ve only qualified to the second stage on one occasion. And many see Saudi Arabia as one of the weakest links in the World Cup. However, they’ve finished above Australia in the qualifying round and they’ve provided the top goalscorer. This alone should give the team confidence ahead of the tournament.
– Star players: Fahad Al-Muwallad, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi, Salem Al-Dawsari
– FootballCoin stars:
Salem Al-Dawsari (Villarreal CF/Al-Hilal FC) – 128.00 seasonal points (Pro), 36.50 points (Easy)
– Coach: Juan Antonio Pizzi
– Group: A
– Group fixtures:
Thu June 14: Russia – Saudi Arabia, Moscow (Luzhniki), 4pm
Wed June 20: Uruguay – Saudi Arabia, Rostov-on-Don, 4pm
Mon June 25: Saudi Arabia – Egypt, Volgograd, 3pm
– Prediction: Saudi Arabia are ranked by many as one of the weaker teams taking part in the World Cup. However, the fact that they’re featured in one of the easier groups, could help the Saudis.
Yes, normally Saudi Arabia should leave the tournament after the first round and help their opponents with their goal difference, but the team could pull off a surprise.
– Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al-Owais, Yasser Al-Musailem, Abdullah Al-Mayuf.
Defenders: Mansoor Al-Harbi, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Mohammed Al-Breik, Motaz Hawsawi, Osama Hawsawi, Omar Hawsawi, Ali Al-Bulaihi.
Midfielders: Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Abdulmalek Al-Khaibri, Abdullah Otayf, Taiseer Al-Jassim, Houssain Al-Mogahwi, Salman Al-Faraj, Mohamed Kanno, Hattan Bahebri, Salem Al-Dawsari, Yehya Al-Shehri.
Forwards: Fahad Al-Muwallad, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi, Muhannad Assiri.
– World Cup history: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018
