RIYADH: Saudi Arabia may have lost 1-0 to Croatia in Riyadh on Wednesday as preparations for the FIFA World Cup came to an end, but this was the Green Falcons’ best performance of the year so far.
The game should give them encouragement and confidence ahead of their meeting with Argentina in the opening game of Group C in Qatar on Tuesday.
After a month of training camps, this was the sixth and hardest test for coach Herve Renard’s men, coming against a team that reached the final of the 2018 World Cup.
The Europeans may not have started with their strongest side, but the likes of Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic and Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic were among the lineup. None of the home team looked out of place when faced with such high-level opponents.
From the beginning, Saudi Arabia worked hard to press Croatia high up the pitch and to deny the team in blue any time or space.
There was a pleasing all-round attitude and a hard-working and energetic performance. The only major downside in the first half was that there was no goal scored, though Saleh Al-Shehri, back in the team after a hamstring strain, came closest. At the other end, Mohamed Al-Owais had only one, fairly comfortable, save to make.
If that was good news, so was the fact that captain Salman Al-Faraj started and looked to be back to his best after a series of minor injuries, only coming off midway through the second half.
With the Al-Hilal star back, there was more pace and intent in Saudi Arabia’s desire to get forward, and as soon as the second half started they were pushing forward and then working hard to win possession back as soon as it was lost.
The five games that had been held since the Saudi Professional League paused in mid-October were low key against lower-ranked opposition. There were two wins and three draws. That time in Abu Dhabi looked to have done its job. The players who had been injured are back, Renard knows his strongest team, and there was real cohesion and energy about the Asian powerhouse.
Goals still remain a concern, with this result making it four scored in the last 10. But only five have been conceded. The defense, shielded by Abdulelah Al-Malki and Mohamed Kanno, frustrated the visitors, who showed the kind of resources they have by bringing on Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic early in the second half and, soon after that, Real Madrid’s Luka Modric.
The best chance for the hosts came just after the hour and it really should have finished with a goal. Al-Faraj freed Al-Dawsari down the left and the wideman fed Al-Shehri inside the area. A smart backheel from the forward returned the ball to give Al-Dawsari time, space and just the goalkeeper to beat. Yet, from 10 yards out, the Al-Hilal star, aiming to curl the ball into the top corner, went too high and too wide.
With 18 minutes remaining, Saudi Arabia came even closer. Kanno picked up the ball just outside the area and danced past a challenge, only for his low shot to hit the outside of the post. Seconds later, there was relief when Andrej Kramaric’s goal, from close range, was ruled out for offside. It would have been harsh on the Asian team.
But the striker scored legally with eight minutes remaining. Fed by Modric on the left, the Hoffenheim forward cut into the area, was given a little too much space, and his low shot just squeezed into the right-hand side of the Saudi Arabian post.
Saudi Arabia may lack that kind of cutting edge or players operating at the highest levels of the club game, but they looked like a team ready for the coming challenge.
Following the opening game with Argentina comes Poland.
The Poles may have watched this game with a little concern. Renard’s men have shown that they can mix it with a team of the standard of Croatia and can do the same against Poland, as well as final group opponents Mexico.
Whatever happens in Qatar, Saudi Arabia cannot have done much more to prepare for the World Cup, and after today’s performance, they look ready. All they need to do now is start scoring.
Saudi Arabia show World Cup ambition despite 1-0 loss to Croatia in Riyadh
https://arab.news/nee6n
Saudi Arabia show World Cup ambition despite 1-0 loss to Croatia in Riyadh
- From the beginning, Saudi Arabia worked hard to press Croatia high up the pitch and to deny the team in blue any time or space
- There was a pleasing all-round attitude and a hard-working and energetic performance
Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge
- Group wins grand prize from a $20,000 prize pool
RIYADH: Saudi esports team Twisted Minds claimed victory against Dragons during the first ESL Saudi Challenge Grand Final, scooping the lion’s share of the tournament’s $20,000 prize pool.
They become the first team to hold the title of ESL Saudi Champions in the region’s first ESL competition dedicated exclusively to the Saudi Arabian gaming community.
In the semifinals, Dragons triumphed in a hard-fought best-of-five series to win 3-2, while Twisted Minds delivered a commanding performance with an unbeaten 4-0 sweep in a best-of-seven match. The finals featured Overwatch 2, an online, multiplayer, first-person shooter video game.
Twisted Minds member Ibrahim Al-Ali told Arab News his team’s key to a successful gameplan was practice.
“We do the basic stuff. We just practice before every tournament and keep practicing along the year … A typical day of practice for a professional player usually is basic practice in game (which is) two hours of practice with each team, (up to) four to six hours a day.”
Al-Ali has been playing Overwatch for nine years. His favorite character is “Widowmaker,” one of the game’s most popular heroes who is known for her powerful sniper rifle.
Founded in 2021, Twisted Minds is known for impressive gameplay and consistent performance. The team competes in Rocket League, EA Sports FC and PUBG and recently won the PUBG Global Series 6, after claiming victory in both Series 4 and 5.
Saudi Arabia boasts one of the region’s fastest-growing gaming sectors which is playing a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s transformation.
FACEIT is the digital platform offering of ESL FACEIT Group, a gaming and esports company procured for $1.5 billion in 2022 by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, which is 100 percent owned by the country’s public investment fund.
Kevin Paul’s ‘ripple-effect’ mission to help transform Saudi Arabia’s sports culture
- Paralympic swimming legend explains how making sports accessible will benefit future generations in the Kingdom
RIYADH: Kevin Paul, a decorated Paralympic swimmer from South Africa, is not only passionate about his athletic achievements but also deeply committed to shaping the future of youth sports in Saudi Arabia.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Paul shared his vision for sports education in the Kingdom, the role of his organization Nujoom, and how the growing scene in Saudi Arabia is creating opportunities for the next generation.
Born and raised in South Africa, where sport is a significant part of life, Paul has always viewed athletics as a powerful tool for personal growth. “Sport has always been an outlet for me,” he said.
“It’s always been an opportunity, and it’s always given me so much to be able to fall back on — whether it’s in business, relationships, or friendships. Every major milestone in my life has been linked to sport.”
As a Paralympic athlete, Paul understands the resilience and determination needed to overcome challenges.
After winning a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and then retiring from competitive swimming, Paul found himself at a crossroads — to either embark on a legal career he had studied for or pursue his passion for sport.
He chose the latter, moving to Dubai and eventually seeing the potential for sports education in Saudi Arabia, especially with the launch of Vision 2030.
“I feel that when the opportunity came for me to be able to do that in Saudi, I wanted to grab it as soon as possible,” Paul said, adding that the Kingdom has so much potential, and he wants to be a part of the future here.
One of the main vehicles for Paul’s mission in Saudi Arabia is Nujoom, a sports education organization he co-founded with Abdullah Alireza, a top Saudi professional triathlete.
They aim to bring high-quality, accessible opportunities to the Kingdom, aligning their efforts with Vision 2030’s focus on sports development.
“If you look at it from the Nujoom side of things, we want to be able to provide accessibility and provide our opportunity for sport to all,” Paul said. “It’s that little ripple effect, if you make that one change now, it’s just going to have an impact for generations to come.”
With Saudi Arabia investing heavily in high-end sports events and infrastructure, Paul highlights the critical importance of grassroots initiatives.
Grassroots sports are just as crucial as the big events in football and boxing, he explained. “If we can inspire parents to fall in love with sports, their kids will naturally benefit from that.”
For Paul, the most exciting aspect of Saudi Arabia’s sports transformation is the drive and determination he sees in the people, which he likens to his home country of South Africa.
“People here are very determined and resilient. They go after what they want,” he said. “If you’re looking back five or 10 years ago, maybe these goals didn’t exist because the opportunities weren’t there.
“But now the kid playing football in the park behind the house, he believes he can be the next (Cristiano) Ronaldo,” he added.
Paul also celebrates the transformation in Saudi Arabia for women and girls, emphasizing that inclusivity is key to the country’s growing sports landscape.
“That’s just going to pave the pathway for whatever kids want to do moving forward,” he said. Participation in physical activities help teach children life lessons such as resilience, goal-setting and teamwork that they can apply to every aspect of their lives, he added.
The paralympic athlete’s love for swimming led him to create one of the Kingdom’s most exciting sports initiatives, a mixed open-water swim group.
When he moved to Jeddah, he thought “there must be other people who have that same love for swimming as I do. Let’s start an open-water swim club like you have run clubs and cycle clubs.”
The club has now grown to 75 members, coming from diverse backgrounds and sharing a love for the water. “It’s a lot more than just swimming in the ocean,” Paul said.
“We’re breaking boundaries, making friends, and creating a healthy, active community. It’s the ripple effect — start with one change, and it grows into something much bigger."
The group meets every Saturday for open-water swims followed by coffee, fostering a sense of community. People will meet others from different walks of life, and it is not just about fitness, but also connecting with others who share a passion.
As a Paralympic athlete, Paul is particularly sensitive to the challenges faced by youth with disabilities in pursuing sports. He believes that education and structured programs are essential to ensuring these athletes receive the support they need to succeed.
He said one of the biggest challenges for youth with disabilities in Saudi Arabia when it comes to pursuing sports is ensuring that both youth and coaches understand what it takes to become the best.
Paul stresses the importance of making sure coaches have the necessary qualifications and experience to guide young athletes effectively. Private sector organizations like Nujoom can play a significant role in providing top-tier coaching, but high-level programs are needed.
He said Nujoom focuses on four key pillars: fun, learning, structured curriculum, and qualified coaches.
Paul said children need to have a clear learning pathway, and to progress at their own pace, whether they are doing so for recreation or preparing for the Paralympics.
He shared a powerful lesson from his experience at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, where he played a game of Jenga with a teammate Hendri Herbst, who is visually impaired.
“Hendri taught me that he didn’t want sympathy; he just wanted equal respect and opportunity,” Paul recalled. The biggest lesson he took away from that was to make the most of a situation, work toward goals, and ask people for help.
Paul and the team at Nujoom want to ensure that in 10 to 15 years the top athletes will be homegrown. “All the posters on the walls of kids’ rooms should be of Saudi born-and-bred athletes moving forward.”
Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sports sector has received the prestigious Peace and Sport Award for its contribution to promoting the role of sport in fostering worldwide peace.
The recognition also highlights the Kingdom’s efforts in implementing a number of sports initiatives, including hosting elite international events.
The award was presented during the 14th International Peace and Sport Forum, held in Monaco under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. The forum was attended by Prince Fahad bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, vice president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
He accepted the award on behalf of Minister of Sports and SOPC President Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who in a speech read on his behalf, said: “I begin this occasion by expressing my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud — from them, we draw inspiration and unwavering belief in supporting global efforts to promote peace, development, and prosperity across the world.”
He said Saudi Arabia was a global leader in fostering coexistence through sports, which served as a noble and effective tool for peaceful communication among the world’s peoples. He also expressed his gratitude to Prince Albert and the Peace and Sport organization team, led by World Olympians Association President Joel Bouzou, for their efforts in spotlighting the organization’s programs and initiatives.
‘As easy as the semifinal’ — Alhyasat predicts another win over Al-Qahtani
- Saudi fighter Al-Qahtani gets second chance against his Jordanian opponent after Islam Reda’s withdrawal from the PFL Mena Championship final
RIYADH: The author of arguably the biggest upset in the inaugural season of PFL MENA, Jordanian welterweight Abdelrahman “Cobra” Alhyasat, has predicted history will repeat itself during the first championship final on Nov. 29.
A relative unknown, Alhyasat shocked the world when he beat Saudi Arabian mixed martial arts star and title favorite Abdullah Al-Qahtani in the semifinals, winning by unanimous decision.
While the undefeated Alhyasat was initially scheduled to face Islam Reda in the final, an injury meant the latter had to withdraw — opening the door for a rematch with Al-Qahtani.
However, Alhyasat does not seem too excited about facing the “The Reaper” for a second time.
“I would have preferred to face a different fighter in the final, but Islam Reda’s injury led to Al-Qahtani being in the final,” he said.
However, “Cobra” is confident that he can make it 2-0 against the Kingdom’s biggest MMA star.
“I will repeat my victory over Al-Qahtani,” he said boldly, even stating the hometown disadvantage would not be much of an issue. “I’m comfortable with this matchup; it will be as easy as the semifinal. Fighting on his home turf won’t be a source of stress for me.”
While Alhyasat believes he can shut down Al-Qahtani again, he also knows the Saudi Arabian star will not have the same game plan as he did in their semifinal showdown — so he has made his own strategy adjustments to compensate.
“I expect Al-Qahtani to change his fighting style for the final. That’s why, during my specialized training camp in Thailand, we coordinated with the technical team to study all possibilities and adapt to the flow of the fight,” Alhyasat explained.
“The plan we’ve prepared for the final is flawless and ensures another victory over Al-Qahtani,” he added.
In fact, Alhyasat is so confident in his capabilities that he already has a celebration planned.
“I will celebrate the belt with my friends in Amman, enjoying Jordanian mansaf, even if my opponent changes his fighting style,” he said.
The complete PFL MENA Championships card:
PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)
PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)
Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani
PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)
PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)
Showcase Fights:
Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)
Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)
Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)
FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh
- The tournament returns to the Saudi capital from Dec. 5-12 with a partnership between FIFAe and the Saudi Esports Federation
RIYADH: The FIFAe Finals 2024 come to Riyadh next month, the first time the event will include multiple esports titles.
Hosted at the SEF Arena at BLVD Riyadh City, it will unfold in two stages. Proceedings begin with the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League from Dec. 5-8, followed by two FIFAe World Cups featuring eFootball (on console and mobile) that will run from Dec. 9-12.
Ahead of the tournaments, Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “As we continue to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in esports, hosting the FIFAe Finals 2024 is a proud moment for us. This event not only highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to the esports ecosystem but also provides an unparalleled opportunity for players from across the world to showcase their talent and passion on a global stage. We’re excited to witness the next chapter of esports history unfold right here in Riyadh.”
Players have the opportunity to represent their nations and lift the official FIFAe World Cup Trophy on a global stage. Sixteen nations are competing in Rocket League and up to 18 will go head-to-head in eFootball.
In line with Rocket League’s third-party regulations, the prize pool stands at $250,000. The prize pool for both eFootball competitions (console and mobile) is $100,000 each, bringing the total prize distribution for the FIFAe Finals 2024 to $450,000.
“This year’s addition of multiple new titles marks a major expansion for football esports tournaments, offering players from diverse ecosystems the chance to compete on the biggest stage under the FIFAe banner. We’re excited to continue this momentum together with the SEF and look forward to bringing this event to life in December together with our partners and publishers,” said FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom.
The FIFAe Finals 2024 follow the inaugural FIFAe Next Gen event in Liverpool, England, which included the first-ever FIFAe World Cup featuring Football Manager, alongside the FIFAe Fame Your Game Cup.
