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
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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
‘Bright is an understatement’ says Golf Saudi CEO about the sport’s future in the Kingdom
- Noah Alireza speaks to Arab News about the Aramco Team Series, the GoGolf programs and producing homegrown talent
On a weekend that included the start of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, WWE Crown Jewel, as well as the Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam derbies in the Saudi Pro League, you could be forgiven for thinking there was any space left for any other sporting event to shine.
But golf’s Aramco Team Series — Riyadh, however, more than held its own and even drew in higher crowds than some of the rival events. The aim, said Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza, is to spread the golfing gospel.
“Our focus on global events comes with a primary objective of growing the game locally,” Alireza said. “(At Aramco Team Series) we (saw) a really vibrant crowd thatwas really getting into it.
“It’s all about creating the right environment and with this crowd being here as a captive audience, we, as much as possible, push towards them signing up for GoGolf, the program, and converting them into future golfers.”
As the 2024 golf season draws to a close, Alireza said that his federation’s mandate is to act as an “catalyst and incubator” to create a golf industry.
“For us in Saudi, we have a blank canvas,” Alireza told Arab News. “We’re starting from scratch, and that provides an opportunity not to catch up, but hopefully to leapfrog because as is everything (in the Kingdom) today, Saudi doesn’t look at things in terms of just taking what was there and bringing it here. It’s taking and learning from what was, and doing it better.
“So for us to grow the game in Saudi Arabia, our primary focus today is on the development of innovative supply and infrastructure, and hopefully when we build it, the demand will catch up and that’s how we're going to hopefully be creating a viable ecosystem for golf.”
One of the ways that Golf Saudi is looking to increase participation in the game, in accordance with Vision 2030, is through its GoGolf programs.
“GoGulf is for us a complete product from end to end to get people from Saudi and living in Saudi Arabia to get into Golf. So we’re starting with a program that answers the question why golf? What is golf? And then a call to action is GoGolf. GoGolf is a three-month (program), maybe you can look at it as getting a license to drive.”
Alireza appreciates that taking up golf comes with a significant sporting and financial dedication, and GoGolf aims to give budding players an early advantage.
“Golf is not an easy game to play. In order to break that barrier, three months’ worth of free lessons, or a package of 12 free lessons, will get you the license to be able to play on golf courses and other areas. So it’s a teaching methodology, but beyond the teaching phase, there is other infrastructure under the GoGolf brand that we will be deploying in addition to other things we’ve launched outside golf courses, like Top Golf — a project that’s going to be taking place over the next year and a half.”
Alireza has a message for parents looking to introduce their children to new sports and activities: “The choices are plenty to get kids into sports, and all sports will teach kids certain traits,” he said. “Whether it is discipline, motivation and so many other traits.
“Growing up around golf, I had the opportunity to see it first hand, and golf is slightly different from other sports in that it takes up so much time and you’re moving an object, you’re not reacting to a ball, you’re having to impart impact on to a ball and a lot of time in between there are so many things that you have to exercise. Patience, resilience, determination, the seeking of perfection and getting better every day, and I believe those traits are really good traits to start to ingrain into kids, and hopefully one day from that some of the kids will specialize in golf and create those future champions that we’re looking to create.”
Alireza is bullish about golf’s trajectory in the Kingdom over the coming years.
“Bright is an understatement,” he said. “With the incredible support that we’re seeing in Saudi Arabia today across all the sectors, we have an incredible opportunity to bring the world of golf here to co-innovate with us on creating a platform that defines what future golf will be in terms of the infrastructure, golf courses, practice facilities and beyond.”
While there are several Saudi golfers already making moves in the professional game, Alireza’s aim is to see a whole generation of golfers emerging from the Kingdom over the next decade.
“I think it's important that we focus on building that generation for two important reasons,” he said. “No.1 is that creating champions is an element that we’ve seen as a story throughout history that helps generate future generations of champions.
“So when Saudi beat Argentina in the World Cup, that was a generational moment that not only created future football stars but athletes in general,” Alireza said. “Everyone could now believe if somebody that I know of that is from my city, my country can do it, then so can I. And that element, that barrier, as a threshold is extremely important. So for us, the focus on creating those champions is really important because then it goes to the second reason.”
“The second reason is that that tipping point, when that champion is created, inshallah, and our goal is to have that happen within the next five to 10 years, is that it creates a whole new generation of golfers that sustains the golf economy that we’re seeking to create.”
Brazil crowned champions at NEOM Beach International Cup
- Spain defeated Germany 2-1, while Japan won 8-2 against England to finish fifth
NEOM: Brazil were crowned NEOM Beach Soccer Cup champions for the third time in a row at Gayal Beach after a 6-1 win over the UAE in the final on Saturday night.
The Samba Boys dominated the first period, scoring four goals and the one-sided affair continued in the second period, with the UAE struggling to find their footing.
The defending champions’ relentless pressure paid off in the third period, as they extended their lead to 6-0 with a late consolation goal for the UAE.
In the match to decide third and fourth places, Spain defeated Germany 2-1, while Japan won 8-2 against England to finish fifth.
Saudi Arabia grabbed sixth after beating China 5-3.
In the women’s competition, Spain were crowned 2024 NEOM Beach Soccer Cup champions after a 5-1 win against Brazil.
‘Zurdo’ Ramirez beats Billam-Smith by unanimous decision in Riyadh
- Mexican southpaw’s win improves his record to 47-1, including 30 knockouts
- Saudi boxer Ziyad Almaayouf earns hard-fought draw against Mexico’s Juan Garcia on the undercard
Riyadh: WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defeated WBO champ Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision on Saturday in the main event at Riyadh’s “Latino Night” to become the undisputed world champion in the division.
The Mexican southpaw improved his record to 47-1, including 30 knockouts, while the British champ’s record slipped to 20-2, with 13 knockouts, after three straight title defenses.
Ramirez showed his power and precision before a packed crowd at The Venue, Riyadh, headlining an unforgettable evening that celebrated Latin American culture and the global appeal of boxing.
Ramirez took control of the fight from the opening bell, using his size advantage and sharp combinations to pin Billam-Smith on the back foot. The British fighter displayed immense heart, landing counter shots and working the body, but Zurdo’s power and precision proved overwhelming.
In his post-fight interview, Ramirez dedicated his victory to his fans and the Latino community. “I’m a proud Mexican and Latino — I will represent the Latino Night very well,” he told Arab News before the fight. And he did.
The evening began with an undercard packed with talent and exciting matchups. Fighters from across Latin America displayed skill and determination, thrilling the crowd with breathtaking rounds, technical displays, and a few dramatic comebacks. Each bout built anticipation for the night’s culminating showdown.
Saudi boxer Ziyad Almaayouf delivered a spirited performance in the opening fight, earning a hard-fought draw against Mexico’s Juan Garcia.
The bout was characterized by Almaayouf’s sharp boxing skills and Garcia’s relentless pressure, with both fighters trading heavy shots and testing each other’s endurance across all 12 rounds.
Almaayouf, backed by a passionate home crowd, landed cleaner combinations early in the fight, but Garcia’s aggression in the later rounds allowed him to claw back on the scorecards, leading to a split-decision draw.
The result left fans buzzing, with many praising Almaayouf’s resilience and composure under Garcia’s constant attacks.
In a post-fight interview with Arab News, Almaayouf, known as “Zizo”, said that he won the fight tonight despite what the judges decided. “I’m always going to think that I did enough to win the fight. This is just the opinion of two judges.
“If you go back 10-15 years ago and you ask the world: would they see a Saudi professional boxer standing in the middle of the ring with a tough Mexican fighter, they wouldn’t believe it,” he added. “But tonight, we showed that can happen.”
He said that a rematch is his next target.
For Garcia, the result was a testament to his durability and fighting spirit, earning him respect as a worthy opponent in a thrilling opener to an unforgettable night.
Latino Night in Riyadh was another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global destination for sports and entertainment. By blending cultural celebration with world-class boxing, the event left a lasting impression on fans and participants alike.
As the arena emptied and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Gilberto Ramirez had won not only a fight, but had also solidified his position as a global ambassador for the enduring legacy of Latino boxing.
UAE to face Brazil in NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024 final
- The UAE team will play the final on Saturday night, against the Brazilian team, while the Spanish team will face the German side for third and fourth place
NEOM: Defending champions Brazil and UAE are through to the final of the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024, after winning their last matches of the group stages against Japan and Saudi Arabia on Friday.
In group A, the UAE team succeeded in overcoming the Saudi side with a 6-5 result, raising their score to 9 points, while the Green Falcons finished with 2 points in last place.
In the same group, the German team achieved their first victory in the tournament, after defeating the English side 6-3, to rise to second place with 3 points, ahead of the Three Lions, who are in third place on goal difference.
Meanwhile, in group B, the South American side beat Spain comfortably 9-1, while Japan beat China 9-0. With these results, the Brazilian team topped the group with 9 points and reached the final for the third year in a row, followed by Spain with 6 points, Japan with 3 points, while the Chinese team came last in the group without any points.
The UAE team will play the final on Saturday night, against the Brazilian team, while the Spanish team will face the German side for third and fourth place.
The match for fifth and sixth place will bring together Japan and England, and the Saudi team will face the Chinese side in the contest for seventh and eighth place.
UAE defender Waleed Abdullah spoke to Arab News after the match against the hosts, Saudi Arabia.
“It is difficult to predict what will happen in the match,” he said. “The Brazilian team is very strong and ranked first in the world, and we have all respect for them. We will enter the match with high focus and do our best. In the end, it is an opportunity to face the world champion, and this is not the first time we compete with them.”
In the women’s group, a late goal from Brazilian striker Dani Barboza led to the team overcoming Ukraine 5-4 to reach the final against Spain, who put in a great performance and finished with a 4-1 victory over England.
Tamam team defeats Casa Riyadh in Silver Cup tournament
RIYADH: The Tamam Polo Team claimed victory over rivals Casa Riyadh on Thursday, beating them 5-4 in the Silver Cup Championship.
Taking place at Nofa Equestrian Resort in Riyadh, this is the third edition of the tournament, which continues until Nov. 16.
The Tamam team included Hashem Al-Alawi, Abdulmohsen Al-Hokair, Faisal Abu Nayan and Marcelo Antonio. Representing Casa Riyadh were Prince Salman bin Sultan, Ibrahim Al-Harbi, Salman bin Haif and Muhammed Naveed.
The Silver Cup is the first tournament of the season, played in a points system where the team with the most goals wins in the event of a tie.
Friday will see Casa Riyadh face Tuwaiq in the second round.
