Talent gulf

Saudi Arabia needs miracle to advance at World Cup

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Saudi Arabia may have become the first Gulf nation to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, but the team, considered an Asian soccer powerhouse, is still far from being a title contender.

The Saudis are investing millions of dollars into its national soccer squad in an attempt to prove that a second-round appearance in the 1994 World Cup finals wasn't a fluke. But, despite finishing its qualifying campaign with only one loss in 14 matches, the squad isn't expected to improve on its performance from France 1998, where it exited in the first round after one draw and two defeats.

Saudi Arabia is the dominant soccer nation in the region -- but it's equally well known for hiring and firing coaches almost at will.

During the 2000 Asian Cup in Lebanon and the qualifying campaign for the 2002 World Cup, the Saudis sacked two European coaches despite putting on a solid performance.

On both occasions, Saudi national Nasser al-Johar came to the rescue, helping the team reach second place behind Japan in the Asian Cup and steering it to the World Cup.

Al-Johar earned the respect and trust of the country's soccer federation after the Saudis scored 47 goals in 14 World Cup qualifiers, making them the top-scoring team of the 32 countries that qualified for the finals.

Al-Johar's trump on the field is Nawaf al-Tumayat, voted Asia's player of the year in 2000.

The 26-year-old midfielder, out of action for almost a year after suffering a serious knee injury, returned to the national team last month to lead the Saudis to a 3-2 victory over two-time world champion Uruguay in a friendly.

The team's other star is Sami al-Jaber, the only Saudi player to have played in England -- albeit only for second division Wolves.

Al-Jaber has been a permanent fixture on the national team for over 10 years thanks to his vision, speed and precise passes. He appeared in three World Cup finals and was part of the team that won the 1996 Asian Cup.

Saudi Arabia will play in Group E with three-time champion Germany, Ireland and African champion Cameroon.

 

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