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The four Arab teams preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup have had a mixed record in the opening round of this crucial international break. There’s a lot to talk about at the match, and here are five things to look forward to as the foursome wrap up their final official international gathering before the match kicks off in Qatar on November 20.
1. Saudi Arabia needs to score against the US
Saudi Arabia got some positives from Friday’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador, not least as they avoided a third consecutive defeat since World Cup qualifying ended.
But the Green Falcons failed to score in 295 minutes, and honestly, they didn’t seem to score often. Chances are few and far between in three friendlies against Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.
The efforts of Firas Al-Buraikan and Nawaf Al-Abed should have done better with a few recent chances, but coach Herve Renard needs to find a way to get Salem Al-Dawsari into the game and into areas where he can use his creativity .
Salman Al-Faraj’s ability to keep possession and keep his composure in the middle of the park was missed in that regard and it was vital that the captain stayed fit and kept fit.
Reynard doesn’t have many compelling options and needs to score goals from all areas of the pitch. Against the likes of Argentina, Poland and Mexico at the World Cup, Saudi Arabia will have to take limited opportunities to remain calm on counter-attacks and set pieces. Another failure to score on Tuesday would be a wake-up call.
2. Tunisia’s test against Brazil
North Africa beat the Comoros 1-0 on Thursday to extend their unbeaten run to seven games. It wasn’t the Carthage Eagles’ smoothest performance, but the real test came against Brazil in Paris on Tuesday. There will be a lot of support for Tunisia at the Parc des Princes and they want to see if this team is a real team. Victory over Chile in Japan in June, especially Japan, was impressive, but is now a five-time world champion.
Tunisia are in a tough group with defending champions France, Denmark and Australia and will know very well how well they currently play against the in-form Brazil. Selecao has scored 21 goals and conceded just one in his last six games, and the level of opponents is good.
It’s impressive and means head coach Jalel Kadri will see how well his team fares against world-class players.
3. Qatar needs to rediscover their magic
The World Cup hosts started last week with a comprehensive 3-0 loss to Croatia’s U-23 team. A bad result could happen, but Friday’s 2-0 loss to Canada is more worrying. The start was really bad, with both North America’s goals coming in the first 15 minutes.
Qatar’s performance has improved since then, but the damage has been done. The players had a clear lack of energy and focus.
Coach Felix Sanchez has really taken his place in the team over the past few years and it would be disappointing if the 2019 Asian champions lose their edge as the game draws closer. The Canadians’ wake-up call has to be heard, and Tuesday’s game against Chile becomes even more important. Whether you win or not, you have to return to the mentality monster that won the 2019 Continental Championship.
4. Moroccan smiles as Ziyech returns
Morocco gave new coach Walid Regraji a 2-0 win over Chile in their first game since being appointed in August. The man who led Wildard to an African Champions League title earlier in the summer is a favourite to replace Wahid Khalihodzic.
Most of the headlines focused on Hakim Ziyech’s first return since June 2021, with the Chelsea star’s breakup with Harry Lodzic seen as the French Bosnia and Herzegovina coach’s sacking main reason.
Now Ziyech is back in front ahead of the World Cup, a major boost ahead of grueling group matches against Belgium, Canada and Croatia.
His performance was solid rather than spectacular, the game in general, but it set up the game well against Paraguay. Another confidence-boosting performance against the South American opposition would be welcome and reiterated the widely held belief that the change of coach, despite the lateness, was necessary.
5. America’s toughest test yet for Saudi Arabia
Since qualifying, Saudi Arabia has faced Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador successively without a win in three matches.
Things couldn’t get any easier against world No. 14 Team USA, a squad full of experienced international players who have played in some of the best leagues in the world.
Christian Pulisic is at Chelsea, defender Sergi Nordest is at AC Milan and Weston McKennie is at Juventus. The Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga, France’s Ligue 1, and other leagues in the MLS.
Coach Greg Berhalter will be keen to get back on the winning track after Friday’s 2-0 loss to Japan.
Like the 0-0 draw with Ecuador, Saudi Arabia will have a lot of defensive work to do, but there’s no reason to sit out too long. There’s also no reason the Asian team can’t go head-to-head with teams that have reached the knockout stages in three of the past four World Cups before missing the last time. Those elusive goals might not be too far off if the midfield were more involved in the game, better able to maintain and use possession.
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