MOSCOW: Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt endured a torrid time at the World Cup, winning two matches between them, but they will be richer for the experience in Russia and should return to future tournaments in better shape as long as they invest in their infrastructure, according to two leading technical chiefs.
The Green Falcons returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2006, but opened their campaign with a humiliating 5-0 defeat against hosts Russia. Saudi Arabia were left with a mountain to climb thereafter, but managed to restore some pride, slipping to a narrow defeat to eventual quarterfinalists Uruguay and then recording a first World Cup win in 24 years, a 2-1 win against Egypt.
“The Saudi team had a difficult start playing the opening match against the host, but they improved in the second game and won the final match to regain some pride,” said Andy Roxburgh, the technical director for the Asian Football Confederation.
“The change of coach before the final tournament — it is difficult to prepare a team for the World Cup in a short space of time — and players in Spain who didn’t play regularly, wasn’t helpful.”
The third-place finish was still a marked improvement from Saudi Arabia’s 2006 World Cup run when they finished bottom of Group H with a solitary point from a 1-1 draw with Tunisia.
Juan Antonio Pizzi’s contract was extended after the win over Egypt and the Argentinian will lead his team out at the Asian Cup next year, where Saudi Arabia have been paired with North Korea, Lebanon and Qatar. Saudi Arabia last won the continental title in 1996 on home soil and they will be among the favorites for the tournament in the UAE. Roxburgh believes that Saudi Arabia’s future is bright.
“The Saudis have good technique and some fast players, and they have potential,” he said. “In the long term, they need to encourage some players to play abroad, develop their league, establish youth structures and academies, and raise the level of coach education.”
Saudi Arabia and Tunisia were the only two Arab teams to register wins while Morocco drew 2-2 with Spain in their final group match, but the region’s challenge was disappointing. Even before the final round of group matches all four teams had been eliminated. Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul acknowledged that Arab teams were playing catch-up with the rest of the world.
Brazil’s 1994 World Cup winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who heads FIFA’s technical study group in Russia, shares Maaloul’s concerns. Parreira led Saudi Arabia at the 1998 World Cup, but was sacked after two defeats against hosts France and Denmark and replaced by assistant coach Mohamed Al-Khuraishi, who oversaw the team’s final group match, a 2-2 draw with South Africa.
“I felt that the expectation is always very high for the teams at the World Cup that are coming to the World Cup,” said Parreira at a news conference, evaluating the Arab teams’ performance in Russia. “We tell them that just qualifying for this competition is a big achievement. You must come here with the willingness to do the best. If you compare the infrastructure of the Middle East with the big countries and the big teams — no structure for youth development, no structure for coach education — then it is going to be very difficult.”
The Brazilian coached Kuwait from 1978 to 1982, leading the Al-Azraq to the World Cup in Spain, where they drew with the former Czechoslovakia and lost to European powerhouses England and France. He also managed the UAE at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Parreira has managed at six different World Cups, a record.
“When I worked with Kuwait, they were the number one team in Asia in every competition, even above Japan, Korea and Iran. We took them to England and Brazil. We prepared properly.
“The foundation is very important — to have a stronger league, to have the patience to develop players and to expose them to international football. We took Kuwait to England, Brazil, not just one time.
“They look for results very quickly. There is no continuity, one day the coach is Brazilian, the next day it’s a French coach, the other day a Spanish coach, another day a Croatian coach, another day a Dutch coach, another day a Portuguese coach, so they have to concentrate on one school of football. That’s what I did with Kuwait. Arab countries need a better structured league, develop the coaches and the youth players, otherwise when you reach this level, you will always be missing something. Of course, in the end, history and culture count a lot.”
Arab nations backed to learn from World Cup experience in Russia
Arab nations backed to learn from World Cup experience in Russia
- Two leading technical chiefs give their verdict on region's challenge at World Cup
- 'The Saudis have good technique and some fast players, and they have potential'
‘I’m ready for any opponent’: Hattan Alsaif eyes another victory at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh
- Saudi MMA trailblazer Hattan Alsaif silencing doubters as her star rises, up against Lebanese champion Nour Al-Fliti next
RIYADH: In a male-dominated sport, Saudi Arabian star Hattan Alsaif is continuing to make her mark and also providing a blueprint for aspiring female mixed martial arts fighters looking for global recognition.
Already a decorated combat sports athlete before transitioning to MMA, Alsaif made history last year by becoming the first Saudi Arabian woman to sign with a major promotion when she joined the PFL.
Since then, she has been nothing short of impressive inside the PFL SmartCage, racking up three straight wins in the amateur ranks.
Beyond these accomplishments, however, Alsaif is making an impact simply by walking to the cage. Being a Middle Eastern woman making a name for herself in MMA, Alsaif is seen by many as an inspiring role model.
The success that Alsaif has achieved so far is thanks to her self-belief, and ability to block out the critics and doubters.
“I don’t pay attention to those who say this sport isn’t for women,” Alsaif said. “I do what I love and pursue what I believe in, regardless of social expectations.”
Armed with that confidence, Alsaif returns to action at PFL MENA 2 on July 4 in her hometown of Riyadh.
She will be looking for a fourth straight win when she takes on Lebanese champion Nour Al-Fliti in a showcase amateur women’s atomweight bout.
Around eight months removed from her last fight back in November, Alsaif says that she is more than ready.
“I’m fully prepared for this fight,” she said. “The key to victory is consistency and dedication.”
Al-Fliti could be considered Alsaif’s toughest test to date. The undefeated up-and-comer is a multiple Lebanese MMA champion and an IMMAF Asian Championships silver medalist.
While the accolades may be impressive, Alsaif maintains that she is ready to take on all comers, regardless of background and accomplishments.
“I’m ready for any opponent. It doesn’t matter who I face,” she said. “Each one requires a different kind of preparation.”
“The real challenge in combat sports isn’t a single moment — it’s the entire fight. It demands constant mental focus and physical strength from start to finish.”
Alsaif is not just fighting for another win at PFL MENA 2 but to solidify her place as a trailblazer for women in Middle Eastern MMA.
“This is a new beginning, not just another number in the record,” she said.
PFL MENA 2 takes place on Friday, July 4, at the Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Tickets can be purchased at webook.com.
Al-Hilal defeat Pachuca 2-0, advance to Club World Cup knockout phase
Salem Al-Dawsari scored a fancy goal in the 22nd minute, Marcos Leonardo added a clincher in second-half stoppage time and Al-Hilal defeated CF Pachuca 2-0 on Thursday in Nashville to advance to the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Al-Hilal (1-0-2, 5 points), the most successful club in Saudi Arabia, did not take a loss in Group H play after drawing with Real Madrid and RB Salzburg. Their win vaulted them past Salzburg, who finished with four points after losing 3-0 to Real Madrid on Thursday night.
Yassine Bounou made two saves for Al-Hilal, who will face Group H winners Manchester City in the Round of 16 on Monday in Orlando. Meanwhile, Pachuca (0-3-0, 0 points) will return to Mexico without a point in the tournament.
For the opening goal, Salem Al-Dawsari received a pass over the top from Nasser Al-Dawsari (no relation) and popped a high-arching right-footed shot over Pachuca goalkeeper Sebastian Jurado. The shot bounced into the far corner of the goal.
After Bounou fell on top of a Pachuca chance in the 81st minute, Leonardo put the game out of reach with a goal assisted by Ruben Neves five minutes into second-half stoppage time.
Fritz wins twice in one day to step up Eastbourne title defense
- Top seeded Fritz prevailed against the world No. 46, winning 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 to book a semifinal date with Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday
- Alexandra Eala, a 20-year-old Filipino qualifier, won 6-1, 6-2 against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska to earn a semifinal against Varvara Gracheva
EASTBOURNE, southern England: Taylor Fritz enjoyed two wins in one day as the world NO. 5 beat Joao Fonseca and Marcos Giron on Thursday to move closer to a fourth Eastbourne title.
Fritz’s second round clash with rising Brazilian star Fonseca was suspended at one set all due to bad light on Wednesday.
Defending champion Fritz took the first set 6-3, but the 18-year-old Fonseca, ranked 57th, hit back to win the second 7-6 (7/5).
When play resumed on Thursday morning, Fritz won the deciding set 7-5 to reach the last eight.
The 27-year-old, who won the grass-court tournament in Stuttgart earlier in June, returned to court just hours later and was pushed to the brink by fellow American Giron.
Top seeded Fritz eventually prevailed against the world No. 46, winning 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 to book a semifinal date with Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday.
Davidovich Fokina, ranked 28th, beat Czech third seed Jakub Mensik 6-4, 7-5 in the quarter-finals.
The other semifinal pits French fourth seed Ugo Humbert against American world No. 149 Jenson Brooksby.
Humbert beat Billy Harris 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, while Brooksby, who entered the tournament as a ‘lucky loser’ after a withdrawal, defeated Dan Evans 6-2, 6-3.
In the women’s event at Devonshire Park, Australian teenager Maya Joint followed her shock second round victory over former US Open champion Emma Raducanu by reaching the semifinals with a 6-4, 7-5 win against Russian Anna Blinkova.
Joint, 19, will face 2021 French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who beat fellow Russian Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 2-6, 6-0.
Alexandra Eala, a 20-year-old Filipino qualifier, won 6-1, 6-2 against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska to earn a semifinal against Varvara Gracheva.
World No. 74 Eala is an emerging talent on the WTA Tour, having made her breakthrough with a surprise run to the Miami Masters semifinals in March.
French qualifier Gracheva was given a walkover into the last four when Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova pulled out of their quarterfinal with a thigh injury.
Krejcikova, the world No. 17, is awaiting the outcome of a scan before deciding if she can defend her Wimbledon title next week.
“I’m very sorry to have to withdraw from my quarter-final today in Eastbourne as I’m having some soreness in my right thigh,” she said.
“Overnight it just didn’t get any better; it actually got worse. I think it’s better with Wimbledon in the next couple of days just to rest it and to see what’s going on and to resolve that.”
Manchester City thrash Juventus 5-2 in Group G finale
Jeremy Doku put on a brilliant display with plenty of support and some help from the opposition as Manchester City defeated Juventus 5-2 in the deciding match in the Club World Cup’s Group G on Thursday in Orlando.
“We played well. I’m happy with the victory,” Doku said. “Now we’re just curious to see who we’re going to play against.”
Manchester City later learned its Round of 16 foe will be Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, with the match on Monday in Orlando.
Defender Pierre Kalulu’s gaffe on a cross from Savinho went past his own keeper and nudged City into the lead, 2-1, at the 26th minute. In the 52nd minute, striker Erling Haaland scored while shuffling his feet with a touch that bounded into an open net on a dish from Matheus Nunes. It was the 300th career goal combined for team and country for the 24-year-old Norwegian in only his seventh minute in Thursday’s match.
Phil Foden entered off the Manchester City bench in the 66th minute and tapped in his team’s fourth goal of the match three minutes later. Haaland’s 75th- minute header failed, only for Savinho to power a rebound off the crossbar and into goal to make it 5-1.
Juventus trimmed the deficit on an 84th-minute breakaway from Dusan Vlahovic, who scored for the second consecutive match.
With the teams effectively tied entering the match with two wins apiece, Man City leapt Juventus to the top of the table in a decisive victory that also bumped them to the top of the tournament with 13 goals. City (3-0-0, 9 points) became the only club to win all three matches in the group stage.
As the Group G winner, City will stay in Orlando to oppose Al Hilal, who beat Pachuca 2-0 later Thursday to finish second in Group H. Juventus (2-1-0, 6 points) are headed to Miami Gardens, Florida, as the runner-up in Group G. Their next matchup is Tuesday against Group H winner Real Madrid, who routed RB Salzburg on Thursday.
Man City went ahead 2-1 and held the margin at halftime, scoring first at the nine-minute mark when Doku hit the brakes in front of the net and found the top right corner.
Juventus’ Teun Koopmeiners evened the score two minutes later, but that was the final indication of a close tussle.
The victory was Man City’s first outright over Juventus since 1976.
Vinicius stars as Real Madrid ease into Club World Cup last 16
PHILADELPHIA: Vinicius Junior scored one goal and made another with a touch of class as Real Madrid sealed their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup with a 3-0 win over Salzburg on Thursday.
The Brazil star opened the scoring after a superb defense-splitting pass by Jude Bellingham on 40 minutes and then set up Federico Valverde for the all-important second goal in first-half stoppage time.
Gonzalo Garcia wrapped up the win late on with his second goal of the tournament, and the result means Xabi Alonso’s team end the first round of FIFA’s new tournament unbeaten.
They go through to the knockout stage as Group H winners on seven points, setting up a last-16 tie against Juventus in Miami on Tuesday.
Salzburg go out as Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia progress in second place behind Real after defeating already eliminated Pachuca of Mexico 2-0 in Nashville.
They play Manchester City in the last 16.
Madrid are adjusting in the United States to life under new coach Alonso and were again without top scorer Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman thus far not having played at the Club World Cup as he recovers from illness.
But there was still plenty of star appeal for the 64,811 fans who filled Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia almost to capacity — they reserved their loudest cheers for Bellingham and spirits were not dampened by wet, fresh conditions as the blistering heatwave of recent days suddenly lifted.
Alonso opted, as during his time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, for a back three with Aurelien Tchouameni in between Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia played as wing-backs.
Real won 5-1 when the teams met in the Champions League in January with Vinicius scoring twice, and the Brazilian was again heavily involved in putting the Austrian team to the sword here.
He was denied by goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky when clean through on 20 minutes, but made up for that by getting the breakthrough as the interval approached.
The goal owed much to a fantastic pass by Bellingham which found Vinicius in between the two Salzburg center-backs. He held off two chasing defenders and scored with an early left-foot shot low into the corner.
It was a 22nd goal of the season in all competitions and one that delighted those backing Real in the crowd.
Petar Ratkov had a chance for Salzburg after Arda Guler was dispossessed just outside his own area, but Real scored again to make it 2-0 almost on the half-time whistle.
When a rather aimless pass forward by Guler was deflected by Salzburg’s Mamady Diambou, Vinicius pounced on the loose ball and continued into the area before producing a clever back-heel to set up Valverde for the goal.
Salzburg now needed a favor from Al Hilal to stay in the competition although they did continue to make a fight of it and had chances to reduce the deficit in the second half.
Nevertheless they were picked off on the counter as Madrid got their third with six minutes of the 90 remaining.
A ball forward by Alexander-Arnold should have been cut out by Joane Gadou but the young defender’s touch was intercepted by Gonzalo Garcia and the young forward ran through before clipping a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
