This week saw the completion of the first phase of friendly matches in preparation for the FIFA World Cup by the Arab Nations, with mixed results for the nations.
Egypt
Getty Images
Egypt qualified for the World Cup after topping their group in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers with 13 points, ahead of Uganda by 4 points. They were placed in a group with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Russia.
The Pharaohs played a match against Portugal, in which they lost 2-1 after two goals by Cristiano Ronaldo in injury time. They faced Greece just four days later and lost 1-0 with a disappointing performance.
Matches:
| Match | Stadium | Date and time | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal 2-1 Egypt | Letzigrund Arena |
23rd of March 2018 21:45 Egypt Time | ON Sport HD |
| Egypt 0-1 Greece | Letzigrund Arena |
27th of March 2018 20:00 Egypt Time | ON Sport HD |
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup after coming in 2nd place in their AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group behind Japan. They were then drawn into a group with Egypt, Uruguay and Russia.
Saudi Arabia have already played a friendly match against Ukraine, where they drew 1-1. However, they failed to follow up their good performance, getting thrashed 4-0 by Belgium in their second match.
Matches:
| Match | Stadium | Date and time | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia 1-1 Ukraine | Municipal Stadium |
23rd of March 2018 22:00 KSA Time | KSA Sport |
| Belgium 4-0 Saudi Arabia | Heysel Stadium |
27th of March 2018 21:45 KSA Time | KSA Sport |
Morocco
getty images
Morocco qualified for the World Cup after topping their group in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers with 12 points, staying undefeated in a group involving the Ivory Coast.
They were placed in the World Cup group with Spain, Portugal and Iran.
They played a match against Serbia a couple of days ago, where they won at the Olimpico Stadium 2-1. They followed up their win against Serbia with a victory against 2019 AFC Asian Cup participants Uzbekistan, 2-0.
Matches:
| Match | Stadium | Date and time | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serbia 1-2 Morocco | "Olimpico" Torino |
23rd of March 2018 19:30 Morocco Time | Morroco One |
| Morocco 2-0 Uzbekistan | Mohammed the 5th Stadium |
27th of March 2018 20:00 Morocco Time | Morocco One |
Tunisia
Getty Images
Tunisia qualified for the World Cup after topping their group in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers with 14 points, just a single point ahead of DR Congo in second place.
Tunisia were placed in a group with England, Belgium and Panama, which is considered a tough group for the side that played in the 2006 World Cup.
Tunisia managed to defeat Iran in their first friendly with a 1-0 scoreline, and did the same against Costa Rica just four days later.
Matches:
| Match | Stadium | Date and time | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tunisia 1-0 Iran | Olympic Brans Stadium |
23rd of March 2018 19:00 Tunisia Time | Tunisia National Channel |
| Tunisia 1-0 Costa Rica | Allianz Rivera |
27th of March 2018 20:00 Tunisia Time | Tunisia National Channel |
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)