Saudi Arabia exits World Cup with renewed confidence

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Saudi Arabia exits World Cup with renewed confidence

From Lionel Messi and a generation-defining victory over Argentina to current studies that Cristiano Ronaldo may quickly be on his technique to play soccer within the kingdom, Saudi Arabia has precipitated a sensation on the World Cup.

The Green Falcons don’t have anything to be ashamed of after being shut out in a 2-1 loss to Mexico on Wednesday.

The second-lowest ranked workforce within the match at No. 51 – one spot behind hosts Qatar – and solely forward of 61st-ranked Ghana, Saudi Arabia had been aggressive from begin to end within the first World Cup within the Middle East.

“We did our best. Today it was more difficult for us,” stated Saudi Arabia’s French coach Hervé Renard. “But we must not forget what we did together.”

Team Saudi Arabia come collectively earlier than the World Cup Group C soccer match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Saudis began with a shock 2–1 win over Argentina and likewise performed a stable function in a 2–0 defeat to Poland earlier than conceding two second-half targets for Mexico to complete final in Group C.

Salem Al-Dawsari, the workforce’s star quantity 10, pulled a aim again in additional time earlier than the Saudi gamers bowed to the sphere on the last whistle in prayer after which stood as much as applaud their followers.

Strong goalkeeping from Mohamed Aloys prevented Mexico from scoring one other aim – which may have despatched the South Americans by means of to the spherical of 16. Instead, it was Argentina and Poland who superior to essentially the most open group of the match.

With Renard motivating the workforce on the sidelines in his symbolic white shirt, Saudi Arabia proved troublesome to beat at house with a squad containing all however 26 gamers.

The reality is that just about not one of the Saudis play overseas, however the actuality is that the nation’s finest gamers don’t want to maneuver to Europe for wealthy contracts when they’re effectively paid within the profitable Saudi league.

A high-paying contract is precisely what may entice Ronaldo to hitch six members of the Saudi nationwide workforce at Al Nassr, one of many nation’s main golf equipment.

Reports of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo’s relationship with Al Nasr come after his contract was terminated by Manchester United.

Saudi managed Newcastle are additionally reportedly available in the market for Ronaldo.

But whether or not Ronaldo strikes to Saudi Arabia or a Saudi-owned membership, the nation’s nationwide workforce leaves Qatar with a lot newfound confidence.


With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS

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