ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia? Yeah right, they wont do much! You would think, but I remember that game against Belgium in ’94 when Saeed Al-Owairan went on a dizzy run, breezing past about 4 or 5 Belgian defenders to score a Maradonaesque goal. Not only did they beat a half decent Belgian team, but they qualified for the second round from a group that also had a Dutch team overloaded with stars and a good Moroccan team. Ok a very good Sweden team knocked them out, 3-1, in the next round, but it goes to show that no team should every be written off at a World Cup.

Ok they haven’t done a whole lot since 1994, and are back at the world stage for the first time since 2006, but you could argue that their group is definitely manageable. Russia dont look that great and Egypt with a Salah that is carrying an injury are beatable. Uruguay would cause them too much trouble, but Saudi Arabia must definitely be targeting 4 points minimum to have any chance of getting into the next round.

As for their squad, it is top heavy with players who play in the Saudi National League, with a sprinkling of players who play with Spanish teams. Well I say play but it looks like none have actually had any games as of yet in the Spanish league. One player who catches the eye is Mukhtar Ali, a player who has represented the England team at under 16 and under 17 level, and plays for the Dutch team, Vitesse Arnhem, signing from Chelsea! He has made about 8 appearances for the Dutch club. Interesting, lets see how he fares in Russia.

Do I think Saudi Arabia can repeat their 1994 success and make the second round? No, not really, but I cant just write an article and say they are shite, I have to pad this out somehow!!