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One of Asian football's constants and a powerhouse by virtue of its consistency at the Asian Cup and contributions to the game of football within its region.
With 153 clubs in Saudi Arabia across different levels, there's plenty of talent to chose from for manager Jose Peseiro, whose job appears to be on the line in Qatar after his side failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in twenty years.
The Saudis have a proud record in this tournament, champions three times and runners up on just as many occasions, including four yeaers ago when they were beaten by underogs Iraq in the final.
How They Qualified
Automatically after finishing second in the 2007 version of the competition.
Coach & Tactics
Peseiro took over late in the game as the Saudis failed to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa but that didn't stop him from coming under scrutiny. This is a real test for the Portuguese coach, who has a mixed record at club level but can count a UEFA Cup final appearance with Sporting Lisbon amongst his achievements. Has been criticized of sending our rather dour sides in the past and tends to prefer a five-man midfield, which hasn't endeared him to fans or media. It is expected that he'll return the team to its traditional two-striker spearhead for the finals, though.
Star Player
Yasser Al Qahtani is without question the most prominent player in his country, captain of the national team and the man they will turn to for goals and inspiration despite his relative youth. Top scored in 2007 and has been in excellent form for club side Al Hilal, boasts an ability to score in virtually every way possible but is particularly lethal in the air.
Youngster Naif Hazazi has only just started his international career but big things are expected of the Al Ittihad player, while Osama Hawsawi will lead from the back as one of the continent's best defenders and a recent nominee for the AFC Player of the Year award.
Fans' Expectations
Uninspiring results from the national team in recent years - particularly at the World Cup, where they have failed to win since 1994 - has left the fans hungry for success. They are in a state of pessimism though with Peseiro lacking convinction and subject to media criticism en masse. The fortunes of of The Green Falcons aren't expected to improve any time soon.
Goal.com Prediction
Looking to live up to its mantle as one of Asia's top-four teams, the national team is aiming high and has the resources at its disposal to accomplish great things. It isn't a question of individual quality but confidence and momentum, two things that appear to be distinctly lacking as January approaches; sort those out and there's no reason Saudi Arabia can't go one step further than in 2007.
With 153 clubs in Saudi Arabia across different levels, there's plenty of talent to chose from for manager Jose Peseiro, whose job appears to be on the line in Qatar after his side failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in twenty years.
The Saudis have a proud record in this tournament, champions three times and runners up on just as many occasions, including four yeaers ago when they were beaten by underogs Iraq in the final.
How They Qualified
Automatically after finishing second in the 2007 version of the competition.
Coach & Tactics
Peseiro took over late in the game as the Saudis failed to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa but that didn't stop him from coming under scrutiny. This is a real test for the Portuguese coach, who has a mixed record at club level but can count a UEFA Cup final appearance with Sporting Lisbon amongst his achievements. Has been criticized of sending our rather dour sides in the past and tends to prefer a five-man midfield, which hasn't endeared him to fans or media. It is expected that he'll return the team to its traditional two-striker spearhead for the finals, though.
Star Player
Yasser Al Qahtani is without question the most prominent player in his country, captain of the national team and the man they will turn to for goals and inspiration despite his relative youth. Top scored in 2007 and has been in excellent form for club side Al Hilal, boasts an ability to score in virtually every way possible but is particularly lethal in the air.Youngster Naif Hazazi has only just started his international career but big things are expected of the Al Ittihad player, while Osama Hawsawi will lead from the back as one of the continent's best defenders and a recent nominee for the AFC Player of the Year award.
Fans' Expectations
Uninspiring results from the national team in recent years - particularly at the World Cup, where they have failed to win since 1994 - has left the fans hungry for success. They are in a state of pessimism though with Peseiro lacking convinction and subject to media criticism en masse. The fortunes of of The Green Falcons aren't expected to improve any time soon.
Goal.com Prediction
Looking to live up to its mantle as one of Asia's top-four teams, the national team is aiming high and has the resources at its disposal to accomplish great things. It isn't a question of individual quality but confidence and momentum, two things that appear to be distinctly lacking as January approaches; sort those out and there's no reason Saudi Arabia can't go one step further than in 2007.
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| FR | Saudi Arabia - Kuwait | 22/06/12 6:30 PM IST |
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Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nasser Al-Shamrani
Striker Saudi Arabia |
3 | 0 |
|
Mohammed Noor
Midfielder Saudi Arabia |
2 | 2 |
|
Nayef Hazazi
Striker Saudi Arabia |
1 | 0 |
|
Osama Hawsawi
Defender Saudi Arabia |
1 | 0 |
|
Ahmed Al Fraidi
Midfielder Saudi Arabia |
1 | 0 |