5 things we learned from Saudi’s 0-0 draw with Honduras in Abu Dhabi friendly

Saudi drew 0-0 with Honduras in a friendly match in Abu Dhabi on Sunday night. (Supplied)
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Updated 31 October 2022
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5 things we learned from Saudi’s 0-0 draw with Honduras in Abu Dhabi friendly

  • A win and four draws in the last five matches show the Green Falcons are a tough team to beat, but lack of goals will concern coach Herve Renard

Saudi Arabia continued their preparation for the 2022 World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Honduras in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Herve Renard’s team continue to be stubborn at the back but lacking in attack.

Here are five things we learned from their latest outing.

1. Cutting edge still absent

The result takes Saudi Arabia’s unbeaten run to five games after two draws against fellow World Cup participants Ecuador and the US in September and then last week’s win over North Macedonia and draw with Albania. While that won’t do the team’s confidence any harm, this was a game that the Green Falcons should have won.

Honduras were not only without some of their regular starters, who are in action for their clubs, but also played the second half with only 10 men as Ivan Lopez was red-carded just before the break. Despite the man advantage (the Central Americans actually had another player and the coach sent off late into added time), the Saudis could not breach the Honduras defense. While there may be five games unbeaten, just two goals scored in seven games — and one of those a penalty — suggests that Saudi Arabia’s best hope in Qatar is their defense.

2. Time for the secrecy to end

This is the third game in a row in which coach Herve Renard has tried to keep his World Cup cards close to his chest in order to deprive Argentina, Mexico and Poland of a chance to see his team, players, tactics and formation. The one downside of having more preparation games than anyone else is that other teams can get a good look at how you are doing, but in this case, opposition scouts and analysts will likely have spent more time looking at the qualification campaign for Qatar 2022. 

It is difficult, however, for Saudi Arabian fans to feel the excitement as the World Cup draws closer when there is such a veil of secrecy surrounding the last three games. The first two games were experimental with the line-ups changing after an hour. The Honduras one was a little more conventional, and it should mean that the next game, against Iceland later this week, is open to all and that fans can go and support their heroes and generate some of that World Cup fever.

3. Al-Malki return shows his character

When Abdulelah Al-Malki headed to Japan for a February World Cup qualifier, he must have been in the best of spirits. He had just joined Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad, was looking forward to the FIFA Club World Cup and was an integral part of the Saudi Arabian team that looked well on course for a place at the World Cup.

Then he was tackled midway through the first half and picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury. It was devastating, and the initial prognosis was that he would be out of action for nine to 12 months. Now, though, the defensive midfielder is back and playing for the national team.

He may not have played any competitive football since that Japan game but has slotted back into action smoothly and still has the old energy and composure on the ball. Renard is a big fan of the 28-year-old, and his return to fitness could be one of the stories of the World Cup.

4. Injury situation getting better by the game

As well as Al-Malki, the list of absentees is shrinking, and arranging so many games has at least given coach Renard multiple chances to provide a number of the injured players with some much-needed minutes on the pitch, though it has perhaps contributed to the lack of intensity so far.

As well as the captain and the defensive midfield lynchpin Salman Al-Faraj, there are others coming back. Salem Al-Dawsari is also growing fitter after his appendix operation and is starting to look like his old self.

Saleh Al-Shehri had scored in the previous two games and Yasser Al-Shahrani is also back in the team. It is expected that Sultan Al-Ghannam and Nasser Al-Dawsari will join the training camp this Thursday, and if they can also get back into top condition by the time the opening World Cup clash with Argentina comes around, the Green Falcons are going to be close to having their full strength squad available in Qatar.

5. Results no longer important

With a win and four draws in the last five games, results are OK, and with Iceland coming up in the next few days and then Panama after that, it is time to try and put some serious pressure on the opposition and find something of a scoring groove. At this stage, a loss or two don’t really matter, but there is still a little time to try and find that cutting edge going forward and take a few risks.

Saudi Arabia have shown that they can keep things tight at the back, with just one goal conceded in the past five games and just three in the last eight, but if the full-backs can try and get forward a little more and if the midfield can play a little higher up the pitch and try and win the ball back closer to the opposition’s goal, then more chances may be created. 

It is unfortunate that it is not easy to arrange tests at the moment against stronger opposition, as most teams are full of players active in their domestic leagues, but the final warm-up game against Croatia in Riyadh should see a team that wants to attack. That leaves, against Iceland and Panama, a chance in the next two games to pile on the pressure and for players to get goals.


We will ‘do our best’ for Barcelona’s Saudi fans, says Raphinha ahead of Spanish Super Cup start in Jeddah

Updated 12 sec ago
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We will ‘do our best’ for Barcelona’s Saudi fans, says Raphinha ahead of Spanish Super Cup start in Jeddah

  • Barcelona face Athletic Club in Wednesday’s first semifinal, with winners tackling either Real Madrid or Mallorca in the final at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Raphinha says Barcelona are determined to repay local fans for their support by winning the Supercopa de Espana in Jeddah.

La Liga runners-up Barcelona and Copa del Rey winners Athletic Club will contest the first Supercopa semifinal on Wednesday at King Abdullah Sports City, with kickoff at 10 p.m. local time.

The winners will face either La Liga champions Real Madrid or Copa del Rey finalists Mallorca in Sunday’s final at the same stadium.

Barcelona have an enormous fanbase in Saudi Arabia, a country with a thriving football culture that has been the hosts of the Supercopa de Espana since 2020.

The Catalans are sure to enjoy the majority of the support in Jeddah on Wednesday evening and Raphinha wants to ensure their fans are treated to a spectacle.

Raphinha, 28, said: “I would like to thank them for the love. We know how difficult it is for fans to be able to go to Barcelona and watch one of our games there, so to be able to come here, play in a semifinal and (possibly) a final is great, it’s exciting. What we can do is appreciate the love and do our best to try and win two matches.”

Raphinha arrives in Jeddah as one of Barcelona’s standout players this season, scoring 17 goals and creating 10 assists in 25 matches in all competitions.

The team, however, enter the Supercopa in mixed form. Following a blistering start to the season, Barcelona have lost three of their last seven matches, including consecutive defeats in La Liga.

Barca’s pedigree in the Supercopa is unrivalled, though, having won a record 14 trophies. They last won the competition in Riyadh in 2023, and Raphinha believes success in Jeddah this week can provide a vital boost for the rest of the season.

“A title gives confidence to any team,” the Brazilian forward said. “We have to be ready to fight for everything. We have the opportunity to win the first title of the year. It will give us a lot of confidence.”

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Raphinha’s comments by insisting his players are raring to go and are fully focused on achieving more Supercopa success in Saudi Arabia.

Flick said: “I can feel with the team everyone is ready for this tournament. The semifinal against Athletic is a tough match and we focus on that and not think about the days after that, only focus on this match.

“Of course, when you win titles, it’s very good for the club, very good for the team, for every player and also for us coaches, because we all work hard and train hard.”

If Barcelona are to add to their 14 Supercopas, they will need to get past extremely tough opposition, starting with semifinal opponents Athletic Club.

The Catalans edged the Basque club 2-1 in their most recent meeting at the start of the Spanish Liga season, although Athletic enter the tie with the better overall form, going unbeaten in their last 15 matches in all competitions and winning 11.

Athletic have also won their last two Supercopa matches against Barca, claiming a 3-2 victory after extra time in the 2021 final, and a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate win in 2015 before the format was expanded to four teams.

Athletic captain Oscar De Marcos is aware of the task against Barcelona, but insists they are ready for the challenge.

“We’re looking forward to being in another semifinal,” he said. “We know we’re facing a very tough opponent, but whenever you’re close to a title you have the hope of being able to win it. We need a great game to be able to win it.”

Athletic also have stellar Supercopa experience in the dugout. Manager Ernesto Valverde has been in charge for two of Athletic’s three Supercopa triumphs, while he is familiar with the tournament in Saudi having led Barcelona in the inaugural four-team tournament in 2020.

“We are excited about the Supercopa,” the Spanish coach said. “Our intention is to make the most of our chances. We are not favorites from the start, but we have to play like it. We will give everything to win it because we have travelled here for a reason.”

On the fans in Saudi Arabia, Valverde added: “There are more Barcelona fans than our own. That’s for sure. There will be a good atmosphere and we hope people can enjoy a good match. I know it well because it was my last match with Barcelona.”

The Supercopa de Espana is being staged in Saudi Arabia as part of a long-term partnership with the Royal Spanish Football Federation, which will keep the competition in the Kingdom until 2029.

 


Football chiefs set dates, name the eight stadiums for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia

Updated 08 January 2025
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Football chiefs set dates, name the eight stadiums for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Football chiefs on Tuesday set the dates and named the stadiums for the 2027 Asian Cup tournament in Saudi Arabia — a dress rehearsal for the jewel in the crown, the 2034 World Cup.

Matches will take place from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2027, in Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar.

Five stadiums in the capital will host Asia’s football elite: King Fahd Sports City Stadium, King Saud University Stadium, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium, Kingdom Arena and Al Shabab Stadium.

The two Jeddah venues will be King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City, and a new stadium will be built in Alkhobar. 

“Confirming the dates and selecting the stadiums ... is a strategic milestone in our journey to host the tournament,” said Yasser Al-Misehal, president of Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

“We are confident that we will deliver a comprehensive sporting experience that extends beyond the matches themselves, creating a unique and integrated event that showcases Saudi Arabia’s status as a hub for major international sporting events.”


Isak strikes again as Newcastle beats Arsenal 2-0 in League Cup semifinal 1st leg

Updated 08 January 2025
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Isak strikes again as Newcastle beats Arsenal 2-0 in League Cup semifinal 1st leg

  • Isak struck in the 37th minute to continue his outstanding scoring run with his 14th goal in 15 games

Newcastle moved a step closer to a first major domestic trophy since 1955 with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the English League Cup semifinals Tuesday.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon at the Emirates Stadium put Newcastle within reach of the final at Wembley Stadium in March. The second leg is at St. James’ Park on Feb. 5.
It was Newcastle’s first win at the Emirates since 2010 and Arsenal’s first home defeat since April.
Isak struck in the 37th minute to continue his outstanding scoring run with his 14th goal in 15 games. The Sweden international was involved in Newcastle’s second in the 51st, when his shot was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and the rebound was converted by Gordon.
Despite being bought by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in 2021, Newcastle hasn’t won a major domestic trophy since lifting the FA Cup almost 70 years ago. But it is close to second League Cup final in three years after losing to Manchester United in 2023.
Newcastle is also pushing for a return to the Champions League after missing out last season — sitting fifth in the Premier League standings and one point outside of the automatic qualifying places for European club soccer’s elite tournament.
Victory against Arsenal was a seventh straight win in all competitions for Eddie Howe’s team, which has been inspired by Isak’s brilliant goal-scoring form.
He fired in off the underside of the crossbar from close range after a long free kick was played into his path by Jacob Murphy.
It was Isak’s seventh goal in his last five games.
Despite in-stadium referee announcements being trialed for the match, an apparent push in the buildup to his goal did not result in referee Craig Pawson reviewing the sideline monitor.
It was Isak’s sharpness that led to Newcastle’s second. His effort from inside the box six minutes into the second half was parried by Raya, but Gordon was the quickest to react at the far post to fire home.
Arsenal was unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions and is second in the Premier League standings.
It had the chance to take the lead when Gabriel Martinelli burst through in the 29th and fired against the post.
Kai Havertz wasted a golden opportunity to pull a goal back when his attempted header from directly in front of goal came off his shoulder and went wide.
Tottenham plays Liverpool in the other semifinal, with the first leg being staged at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.


Rajkovic, Benzema star as Al-Ittihad dump Al-Hilal out of King Cup

Updated 08 January 2025
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Rajkovic, Benzema star as Al-Ittihad dump Al-Hilal out of King Cup

  • Thriller goes to penalties after sides finish level
  • 120 minutes of football saw the sides end all-square at 2-2

RIYADH: Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Hilal 3-1 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday to move into the semifinal of the King Cup after 120 minutes of action in Riyadh had ended 2-2.
Predrag Rajkovic was the hero for the Jeddah club, saving three of Al-Hilal’s penalty kicks.
The first half was an even affair, although it started badly for Al-Hilal with the Saudi Pro League’s top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic leaving the pitch after 13 minutes with what seemed to be a hamstring injury.
Three minutes later, Al-Hilal almost took the lead but Salem Al-Dawsari’s shot from just inside the penalty area hit the foot of a post.
After 26 minutes, Karim Benzema started asking questions, forcing a good save from Yassine Bounou with a curling shot from outside the area.
The French striker had the ball in the net just before the break, shooting home after Bounou had got a hand to a low shot from N’Golo Kante, but he was ruled offside.
There was still time in the first half for Benzema to shoot tamely at the Moroccan goalkeeper from close range.
The former Real Madrid star finally broke the deadlock just after the hour, just moments after Malcom had hit the post for Al-Hilal. Benzema controlled a right-sided cross from Muhannad Al-Shanqiti and then fired home from close range.
Al-Hilal were back on level terms with 18 minutes remaining. The ball fell to Salem Al-Dawsari just inside the area and the 2022 Asian Player of the Year made no mistake to shoot past Rajkovic.
The game went into extra-time and after 101 minutes Al-Hilal moved ahead for the first time. Moteb Al-Harbi produced a perfect diagonal low cross from the left to find Marcos Leonardo at the far post and the Brazilian did the rest.
However, it did not take long for Benzema to equalize, sweeping the ball high into the net from close range to take the game to penalties.
A dismal effort from Al-Hilal followed from the spot as they scored just once.
Mohamed Kanno took the first, which was saved by Rajkovic, and when Benzema scored, Al-Ittihad were in the driving seat, especially as the Serbian goalkeeper also blocked Leonardo’s attempt.
Fabinho made it 2-0 to The Tigers and after Danilo Pereira scored to make it 3-1, Malcom had to hit the back of the net for the match to stay alive but Rajkovic saved once more.
Al-Ittihad and their traveling fans celebrated as they joined Al-Qadsiah, who defeated Al-Taawoun 3-0 earlier on Tuesday, in the last four. They join Al-Shabab and Al-Raed in the semis.


Saudi golf team to compete in Arab Professional Golf Championship in Morocco

Updated 07 January 2025
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Saudi golf team to compete in Arab Professional Golf Championship in Morocco

  • Othman Al-Mulla, Saud Al-Sharif among top Saudi golfers taking part in event’s 2nd edition
  • Abdulkarim Al-Najran, Ali Babatin to represent Kingdom in amateur category

RIYADH: Top professional Saudi golfers, including Othman Al-Mulla and Saud Al-Sharif, will represent the Kingdom’s national team in the second edition of the Arab Professional Golf Championship in Morocco.
The event will take place at Mazagan Resort in the major port city of El Jadida on Jan. 9-12.
A media statement on Tuesday said that the participation aligns with the efforts of the Saudi Golf Federation to enhance the Kingdom’s presence in the Arab and international sports landscape, and showcase Saudi talent in the sport.
Al-Mulla and Al-Sharif are two prominent names in the Saudi sports scene who aim to achieve strong results in the competition.
Golfers Abdulkarim Al-Najran and Ali Babatin will represent the Kingdom in the amateur category, reflecting the country’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talent in golf.
SGF is dedicated to creating opportunities for Saudi players to compete in major international and regional tournaments, striving for achievements that elevate Saudi Arabia’s global sports standing.
The Arab Professional Golf Championship highlights Saudi and Arab talent while fostering sports interaction in Arab countries.
Organized by the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation in coordination with the Arab Golf Federation, the championship reflects a shared ambition to develop golf in the Arab world, showcase regional talent and strengthen Arab ties through sports excellence.