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TAIF, 抖阴短视频: The Saudi national team won the Arab Diar Championship for West Asian U-19 teams, after defeating UAE 1-0 at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Taif Governorate on Friday night.
The team qualified for the final match after beating their Syrian counterpart 2-0, state news agency SPA reported.
Talal Haji scored the winning goal in the 43rd minute of the first half, bringing victory and gold medals to the team.
The UAE came in second and was awarded silver medals.
MELBOURNE: 抖阴短视频 had a goal disallowed in added time in a scoreless draw with Australia, a result that did neither side any favors in their bid to qualify for World Cup 2026.
Despite several chances in front of a sold out AAMI Park in Melbourne, the breakthrough both teams desperately needed never came.
The Saudis and their new French coach Herve Renard thought they had won in the 93rd minute when Sultan Al-Ghannam rifled home from just inside the box.
But the flag went up, with one of his teammates offside.
鈥淲e had some good opportunities but we have to go give our opponent credit. First half we didn鈥檛 play very well,鈥 said Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.
鈥淲e were not very good with the ball while they were sharp and energetic.
鈥淲e improved significantly in the second half, which is good,鈥 he added.
鈥淥verall, it鈥檚 a point and we move forward but certainly we can improve.鈥
The stalemate played into the hands of Group C leaders Japan and opened the door for Bahrain to leapfrog them as Asian qualifying reached the halfway mark.
Australia and the Saudis both have six points, four behind table-toppers Japan who can stretch their lead further when they meet Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.
Bahrain, on five points, host China later in Riffa and will move into second spot if they win.
Just the top two seal their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with third and fourth forced into another round of Asian qualifying.
Australia must now lift themselves for a difficult trip to Bahrain next week, while 抖阴短视频 travel to Indonesia.
Popovic made just one change from the team that drew with Japan in Saitama last month with Standard Liege midfielder Aiden O鈥橬eill in for Luke Brattan.
Renard, who was appointed a fortnight ago in place of Roberto Mancini, swung the axe with just four survivors from their last match, a goalless draw with Bahrain.
Both sides started at a frenetic pace and in a big moment on 12 minutes the referee awarded Australia a penalty after Mitch Duke clashed heads with goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar who came out to clear the ball.
But VAR showed the infringement was outside the box.
The first decent effort did not come until the 27th minute when Saudi midfielder Nasser Al-Dawsari whipped in a shot from a tight angle. Goalkeeper Joe Gauci saved at the near post.
Gauci made another crucial stop on the cusp of half-time, charging off his line to pluck the ball off the feet of Feras Albrikan in a one-on-one situation.
Australia had the brighter second half, creating far more chances with Riley McGree and Duke whipping in shots that were blocked.
They had a glorious opportunity with seven minutes left when substitute Brandon Borrello beat the offside trap.
But instead of shooting he opted to pass and the chance was wasted, before the last-minute drama with the disallowed goal.
SYDNEY: For the first time in 18 months, Herve Renard strutted into a press conference wearing a tracksuit emblazoned with the distinctive logo of 抖阴短视频 and all felt right with the world.
The revered Frenchman returns to 抖阴短视频 following the dismissal of Roberto Mancini last month after the Green Falcons鈥 slow start to World Cup qualifying, with a 2-0 loss to Japan and 0-0 with Bahrain the final straw after a strained 14-month tenure for the decorated Italian manager.
In opting to return to Renard, who oversaw their transformation from a middling nation to one capable of beating Argentina on the biggest stage, 抖阴短视频 are hoping the past 18 months can simply disappear as if they never existed and Renard can take over where he left off.
And while most in 抖阴短视频 are delighted to see the 56-year-old return, the feeling is also mutual, with Renard telling reporters in Melbourne, where 抖阴短视频 play a crunch qualifier against Australia on Thursday night, that he was overjoyed to be back.
鈥淢y comeback was a (special) sensation,鈥 he said with a broad smile. 鈥淭he feeling was like I never left this team. I knew three-quarter of these players. We had a fantastic World Cup qualifiers in 2022 and a very good World Cup as well.鈥
But while there was more than a whiff of nostalgia in the air as he spoke to the assembled media from both Australia and 抖阴短视频, he was also quick to point out that the past was the past and the mission now is to ensure qualification for 2026, which after four games is looking precarious, with just one win on the board.
The Green Falcons are third in Group C, equal on five points with Australia (second) and Bahrain (fourth), and face the tricky prospect of back-to-back away games against Australia on Thursday and then against Indonesia next Tuesday, who held 抖阴短视频 to a 1-1 draw in their first encounter in Jeddah in September.
鈥淲e still have a very good memories together, but this is the past. Now we have to look forward for these qualifiers,鈥 he said.
鈥淲e are not in a very good position, but (also) not in a very bad situation as well. So we still have six games to look forward to qualify for the next World Cup, and this is our goal.鈥
They will have to confront the twin challenge of Australia and Indonesia without talisman Salem Al-Dawsari, who was ruled out with an injury suffered in Al-Hilal鈥檚 3-1 win over Ettifaq last weekend.
The timing of the injury to arguably their best and most important player could not have been worse given their struggles to find the back of the net this campaign, with just three goals in four matches 鈥 the equal worst record of any of the 18 sides left in this phase of qualifying.
One player who is likely to carry an additional attacking burden in Al-Dawsari鈥檚 absence is his former Al-Hilal teammate, Saleh Al-Shehri.
Now with Al-Ittihad, the 31-year-old arrives in camp on the back of impressive form in the Roshn Saudi League. Stepping up in the absence of captain and former Ballon d鈥橭r winner Karim Benzema, Al-Shehri has scored twice in as many games and was confident he and his teammates can cover the absence of the former AFC Player of the Year.
鈥淎s a Saudi team, we always have a lot of players that can fill any shoes,鈥 he said.
鈥淪o, I think either me or my other colleagues, we鈥檙e going to do our best to win this game. On the personal side, I think I鈥檓 going to have a good game and hopefully I鈥檓 going to score for my team tomorrow.鈥
With a sold-out crowd expected at Melbourne鈥檚 30,000-capacity AAMI Park, the stakes could not be higher for both teams.
With Japan five points clear on top, 抖阴短视频 and Australia are jostling for that second automatic position to guarantee qualification for the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico, and with both teams level on points, Thursday night鈥檚 match could be decisive in determining which nation ultimately progresses.
In football parlance, it is a classic 鈥渟ix-pointer,鈥 a game that neither side can afford to lose.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a very important game,鈥 Renard said, 鈥渂ut we don鈥檛 want to underrate Indonesia (and) Bahrain; (Bahrain) were able to win in Australia.
鈥淲e are always talking about Australia (or) 抖阴短视频, but I think it will be a big fight between three or four teams for the second position. So, of course, this game is very important.鈥
The jovial frivolities of the press conference quickly gave way to the hard reality of why 抖阴短视频 were in the cold of southern Australia, with the team getting their first look at Melbourne鈥檚 AAMI Park under gray and gloomy skies.
Perhaps that was a portent of what was to come, with news emerging late on Wednesday evening that recalled veteran Salman Al-Faraj had been taken to a nearby hospital for scans after injuring his knee in what could be another blow for Renard after the forced withdrawal of Al-Dawsari.
Time will tell if he will be fit enough to play a part in Thursday鈥檚 must-win encounter, but with or without the veteran, you know that with Renard back on the touchline, this Saudi side will put up a fight.
LONDON: While scanning Herve Renard鈥檚 first squad list since his return as boss of the Saudi national team, three names stand out immediately. Twenty-four of the 27 players play their club football in the Kingdom; the exceptions are Saud Abdulhamid, who is at Roma, and Faisal Al-Ghamdi and Marwan Al-Sahafi, both currently on loan at Belgian side Beerschot.
Saudi players plying their trade in Europe are not the norm; only a handful have previously made the switch from the Kingdom. And even they 鈥 from Sami Al-Jaber at Wolves to Salem Al-Dawsari at Villarreal 鈥 only featured sparingly before returning to their homeland.
But at Beerschot, 23-year-old Al-Ghamdi and 20-year-old Al-Sahafi have been thrust immediately into first-team action and have produced influential performances for the team, which is fighting to stay in the Belgian Pro League.
鈥淚t was not difficult to make the switch for us,鈥 Al-Ghamdi told Arab News in an exclusive interview from Beerschot鈥檚 training ground. 鈥淲e had goals and dreams of reaching the highest levels in Europe.
鈥淪ome things are definitely different from playing in Saudi 鈥 like the environment and climate 鈥 but we鈥檝e adapted to these differences quite well, and things are going smoothly. It has been a good experience for both of us. Really, we benefited a lot. Every time you move to a different place you learn new things and develop yourself naturally.鈥
He added: 鈥淚n terms of the future we hope to get more results, we want to reach higher levels in Europe and develop our skills.鈥
While both players, who are on loan from Al-Ittihad for the 2024-25 season, have quickly settled into life in Belgium, it is Al-Sahafi who has made the biggest impact so far.
After scoring both goals in a 2-1 win against Belgian giants Anderlecht in September, he netted another brace ahead of this week鈥檚 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The winger鈥檚 double salvo helped Beerschot fight back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Club Brugge, who are playing in this season鈥檚 UEFA Champions League.
鈥淎gainst Anderlecht, we had the resolve to win and God blessed me with the two goals,鈥 Al-Sahafi said. 鈥淚t was superb, and an amazing feeling throughout the game. It was one of my best performances by far and I will remember this for a long, long time. [I think] we鈥檝e acclimated to the different situation well and it wasn鈥檛 difficult even though there are not many players from the Kingdom who have played in Europe.鈥
For Al-Ghamdi, too, seeing Al-Sahafi among Beerschot鈥檚 goal scorers has been special.
鈥淚鈥檓 extremely proud of him and it is a joy seeing him score,鈥 Al-Ghamdi said. 鈥淚 have very high hopes for him and I hope we will both [continue] to have better performances in the future, with more goals and more wins.鈥
The Saudi duo鈥檚 coach at Beerschot is former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt. He became a cult hero during his six years at Anfield, aided by scoring a match-winning hat-trick against Manchester United in 2011. With 104 caps for the Netherlands under his belt, Kuyt鈥檚 experiences as a player have helped him transition into an effective coach.
鈥淗e鈥檚 a little bit before our time but we do remember watching clips and videos of him in his career,鈥 Al-Ghamdi said. 鈥淎s a coach we try to benefit as much as possible from having him, he鈥檚 a great influence both on and off the pitch, well-rounded. He鈥檚 responsive with the players, he is engaging as a person, very warm. He gets close to the players and offers his best advice 鈥 whether in training, in matches, or even off the pitch.鈥
Al-Sahafi has also felt the benefit of Kuyt鈥檚 guidance: 鈥淗e鈥檚 close to us and really tries to facilitate the best conditions and prepare us before the game. He takes care of us and he has a big personality and character 鈥 on and off the pitch. He is very impactful.鈥
At international level, too, Al-Sahafi and Al-Ghamdi are set to play under a hugely popular coach. Herve Renard returned to coach the Green Falcons last month, replacing Roberto Mancini.
It was under Renard that Al-Ghamdi made his international debut against Yemen in January 2023 and, after struggling for game time while Mancini was at the helm, the midfielder is optimistic about the future of the national team.
鈥淗e is a huge coach and we had very good results with him,鈥 Al-Ghamdi said. 鈥淲e are so happy to have him back and we hope to get amazing results with him. Inshallah, we will qualify for the World Cup with him, that is our primary objective.鈥
Al-Sahafi鈥檚 international bow only came in June this year, and he was handed his first start for the Green Falcons in last month鈥檚 0-0 draw with Bahrain in Jeddah 鈥 a game that proved to be Mancini鈥檚 last.
鈥淭his will be my first experience with the new coach and I want to prove myself,鈥 Al-Sahafi told Arab News. 鈥淚 believe there is a clear reason why he chose me and I want to make him proud. Our goal is to reach the World Cup.鈥
So by the time the 2026 tournament begins in the United States, Mexico and Canada, could there be more Saudi players making their mark in European football?
鈥淭here have definitely been many players in the Saudi national camp who have asked us about playing in Europe,鈥 Al-Ghamdi said. 鈥淲e explained what has happened and how we have developed. We told them it has been exciting and they were quite curious.鈥
Al-Sahafi also hopes to convince some of his Green Falcons鈥 teammates to join the duo in testing themselves on a different continent and in a different football culture.
鈥淎 lot of people outside and within the Saudi national team have asked me questions and I told them it has been a tremendously valuable experience. And very fun too,鈥 he said.
鈥淚 hope this time in Belgium helps us develop to be the best players for the Kingdom and to improve. We want to give the best we have to offer for 抖阴短视频 and I hope soon we will see many players go abroad to improve themselves further.鈥
RIYADH: The 抖阴短视频n Football Federation and World Football Summit have announced a partnership for the 2024 edition of the event.
Scheduled for Dec. 2-3 at Riyadh鈥檚 King Abdullah Financial District, the summit will mark an expansion on last year鈥檚 successful debut in Jeddah, which brought together over 1,500 industry leaders.
This year鈥檚 edition will have an expected 2,000 delegates and will feature enhanced programming and networking opportunities, fostering strategic discussions and partnerships aimed at developing the region鈥檚 football industry, organizers said.
Ibrahim Alkassim, secretary-general of the 抖阴短视频n Football Federation, highlighted the event鈥檚 importance.
鈥淗osting WFS Asia in Riyadh underscores 抖阴短视频鈥檚 commitment to developing football not just nationally, but across the region. This event aligns perfectly with our Vision 2030 goals. We invite the entire football community to join us, learn from each other, and elevate the business surrounding the beautiful game,鈥 he said.
The return of WFS Asia to 抖阴短视频 reflects the region鈥檚 growing appetite for football as a key component of its economic and cultural development, Jan Alessie, co-founder and director of WFS, said.
鈥淭he overwhelming response to our first edition demonstrated the region鈥檚 appetite for a world-class football business event. Our return to 抖阴短视频 underscores the nation鈥檚 emergence as a pivotal hub for football development and innovation,鈥 he said.
Khalid Al-Khudair, CEO of SMC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing SMC鈥檚 commitment to fostering football鈥檚 commercial growth: 鈥淲e are proud at SMC to enhance commercial opportunities in the football industry, both locally and internationally, through strategic partnerships that contribute to the growth of sports marketing in the Kingdom.鈥
WFS Asia 2024 supports Vision 2030鈥檚 goal of boosting the sports sector鈥檚 contribution to 2.5-3 percent of 抖阴短视频鈥檚 gross domestic product.
The 2024 edition of WFS Asia will align closely with Vision 2030鈥檚 objectives through a comprehensive agenda that focuses on key themes critical to the future of football in the Kingdom.
These themes include the integration of technology in football, innovations in fan engagement, and the development of sports tourism as a significant economic driver. Sustainability will also be a central topic, reflecting the global push toward environmentally conscious practices in sports.
Additionally, the growth of women鈥檚 football and the nurturing of youth development programs will be highlighted, showcasing 抖阴短视频鈥檚 dedication to inclusivity and long-term talent cultivation in the sport.
RIYADH: Brazilian footballer Neymar on Monday expressed his full support for 抖阴短视频鈥檚 bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and said that he believes it has the potential to be the best tournament yet.
After touring the Saudi 2034 bid exhibition with Hammad Albalawi, the head of the bid unit, Neymar described it as 鈥渢he best project I鈥檝e ever seen鈥 for players and fans alike.
The exhibition showcases the proposed host cities 鈥 Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha and NEOM 鈥 and includes interactive displays of the 15 stadiums envisioned for the event.
抖阴短视频 is bidding to be the sole host of a 48-team World Cup tournament. It aims to leverage its geographic advantage, given that 60 percent of the world鈥檚 population live within an eight-hour flight of the Kingdom.
Neymar was particularly impressed by the focus of the Saudi bid on the needs of the players, saying: 鈥淭hey鈥檙e thinking about the players 鈥 making it easier to get from the game to the hotel and recover faster.鈥
The 32-year-old Brazilian, who has lived in Riyadh since signing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in August 2023, praised the passion for football in the Kingdom and the warm welcome he and his family received. Despite an injury that limited his playing time so far, he noted the enthusiastic support among local fans.
The rapid growth in the development of football in 抖阴短视频 in recent years has included an expansion in the number of youth-training centers to 23, support for more than 300,000 boys and girls in school leagues, and an increase in the number of registered football coaches from 700 in 2019 to more than 4,000.
Neymar said he believes this investment in the future of Saudi football will pay off, adding: 鈥淭hey will definitely be more competitive in 2034.鈥
He also acknowledged the influence he and other international soccer superstars who have relocated to the Kingdom, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, are having on the nation鈥檚 football scene.
鈥淲e want to influence all the kids and the youth to do the right things, and to bring joy to everyone with our football,鈥 he said.
抖阴短视频 submitted its official bid for the 2034 World Cup, which has the theme 鈥淕rowing. Together,鈥 in July. A decision on the host is due to be made on Dec. 11 during a FIFA Congress.
