World Cup: A generation that won’t be forgotten by the Saudis
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Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard (centre) speaking to Sultan Al Ghannam (left) during the game against Mexico on Nov 30, 2022.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LUSAIL – Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard had said the current generation would be forgotten if they failed to make the last 16 of the World Cup but he may be having a rethink after fans showed their appreciation to his side despite their exit on Wednesday.
After their stunning victory over twice world champions Argentina in the first match, Saudi Arabia’s journey in the tournament ended with them bottom of the standings.
Mexico beat them 2-1 to finish third behind Poland, who lost 2-0 to Group C winners Argentina, but still advanced to the last 16 on goal difference.
A national holiday was declared to celebrate that incredible win over Lionel Messi’s side but the impact of the victory might be felt for much longer.
“No one around the world believed that we could perform this performance. Yes, in Saudi Arabia we know the players well, but they are unknown to fans around the world,” Renard said.
Saudi Arabia has been playing a bigger role in sport globally.
The country hosted its second Formula One grand prix in a row this year, while Newcastle United have been flying in the English Premier League since they were bought by a Saudi-led consortium.
The Saudi football federation is also hoping Cristiano Ronaldo can be lured to a local club after the Portuguese forward had his contract terminated by Manchester United. Media reports have linked the Portugal captain with a lucrative move to Al Nassr.
Renard had urged his players to grab their opportunity to reach the knockout stage for just the second time in the country’s history but they came unstuck against the Mexicans at the Lusail Stadium, with the team struggling to match their opponents’ intensity.
Only the heroics of Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais prevented a humiliating defeat.
“We did our best and we will not forget the work we did together, I am proud to work with the team and the players, but we did not deserve to win today,” said Renard.
“The result does not reflect the reality of the match, as we deserved to lose by more goals had it not been for Al-Owais.
“He saved us in the third minute and we couldn’t handle Mexico’s intensity and enthusiasm in the duels. We suffered physically, and we had to adapt to the injury of defender Ali Al-Bulayhi.
“Mexico were the better team, and we knew that they would play aggressively in order to score more goals to qualify for the next round.”
The French coach refused to blame the fact his team were missing four players due to injury and suspension.
He added: “The squad includes 26 players, and we have to deal with what we have. Yes, injuries affected us, but they are not an excuse. Against Poland, we were the better team, but we weren’t efficient in the last third, but today we played poorly.”
Renard also spoke about the difficulty of participating in the World Cup because of the strength of the teams.
“What happened to us was repeated with Qatar and Tunisia. It is difficult to reach the next round,” he said.
“Saudi succeeded in that once before, a long time ago in 1994. We dream of returning to the World Cup and qualifying for the next round.”
He indicated that Saudi Arabia will start preparing for the Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Qatar either at the end of 2023 or in 2024.
“We have a long time to prepare for the Asian Cup, which may be held at the end of next year. Winning the title and succeeding in the next World Cup qualifiers are among the goals of the Saudi team,” he said. REUTERS