2018 World Cup: Group A Tactical Preview

SAUDI ARABIA

The green eagles have nothing to fear

How they qualified

Saudi Arabia qualified for Russia 2018 by finishing as runners-up in Group B of AFC’s third round, a home and away round robin format that saw Juan Antonio Pizzi’s Green Eagles secure automatic qualification ahead of favourites Australia. Mohammad Al-Sahlawi was the joint top scorer in World Cup qualification with 16 goals. Overall, this will be Saudi Arabia’s 5th appearance in a World Cup, their last one coming back in 2006.

Tactics & Formation

Saudi Arabia are captained by the vastly experienced Osama Hawsawi, while Taisir Al-Jassim pulls the strings from a deeper role in midfield. The side generally line up in a sort of 4-3-3, with one midfielder dropping to screen while Al-Jassim collects the ball from defence to initiate the attacks.

The Saudi Arabians mostly sit back, looking to absorb the pressure and once they get the ball, fast counter attacks are initiated by hitting long passes down the line towards the wide forwards, Salem Al-Dawsari and Yahya Al-Sheri. Both wingers are capable of switching positions in-game, which can pose problems for teams.

Players to Watch out for

Salem Al-Dawsari: A rapid winger who can be a tricky customer for the opposition. Al-Dawsari masterminds Saudi Arabia’s game plan of playing on the counter as his pace and trickery can cause real damage.

Osama Hawsawi: A vastly experienced central defender and the leader of the team, Hawsawi has represented his nation 134 times. His ability to organize the defence will be pivotal for Saudi Arabia to soak all the pressure and start the counter-attacks.

Mohammad Al-Sahlawi: Top scorer during qualification with 16 goals, Sahlawi often adds the finishing touch to the rapid counter-attacks. A poacher in the box, Al-Sahlawi has a good International record having scored 28 times in just 39 international games.

Verdict

Possibly the weakest team of Group A, Saudi Arabia are no pushovers as seen recently from their 2-0 friendly win over Greece. The Asian team’s greatest strength lies in their fast-counter attacks and can be one of the stories of the World Cup. However, better teams in the group mean they would probably have to leave Russia empty-handed. Prediction: Group-stage Exit.

Squad

Head coach: Juan Antonio Pizzi

Goalkeepers: Mohammed Alowais, Yasser Almosailem (both Al Ahli), Abdullah Almuaiouf (Al Hilal).

Defenders: Mansoor Alharbi (Al Ahli), Yasser Alshahrani, Mohammed Alburyak (both Al Hilal), Motaz Hawsawi (Al Ahli), Osama Hawsawi (Al Hilal), Omar Othman (Al Nassr), Ali Albulayhi (Al Hilal).

Midfielders: Abdullah Alkhaibari (Al Shabab), Abdulmalek Alkhaibri, Abdullah Otayf (both Al Hilal), Taiseer Aljassam, Hussain Almoqahwi (both Al Ahli), Salman Alfaraj, Mohamed Kanno (both Al Hilal), Hatan Bahbir (Al Shabab), Salem Aldawsari (Al Hilal), Yahia Alshehri (Al Nassr).

Forwards: Mohammed Alsahlawi (Al Nassr), Muhannad Asiri (Al Ahli), Fahad Almuwallad (Al Ittihad).