All eyes will be on Fahad Al-Muwallad, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi and Salman Al-Dawsari who have remained critical during the qualification of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. World Cup 2018: Saudi Arabia National team’s plane catches fire in midair in Russia In by Editor June 18, 2018 Leave a Comment The Saudi Arabian national team’s rough start to World Cup continued on Tuesday, as the team’s plane caught fire in midair. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. He has been national team boss since July 2012 and guided them to the final of Euro 2016, although they lost 1-0 to Portugal after extra time. Fixtures: Saudi Arabia has been drawn against hosts Russia, Uruguay and Egypt. He will be their go-to man for goals. You can support quality journalism by turning off ad blocker or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to The Hindu. While it is hard to predict the two teams to definitely advance to the Round of 16 as after Uruguay - Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Russia - all the other teams have a legible chance to advance. But his pace and on-field presence will be vital for Saudi. Picture courtesy: FIFA (Saudi Arabia squad) , BS6 BMW G310 Twins, MG Gloster, Mercedes EQC launched | Check prices and more | Times Drive NewsBrake, Aam Aadmi Party's Sanjay Singh reacts to Fake TRP racket busted by Mumbai Police, Mumbai Police EXPOSES Fake-TRP racket, Republic TV caught in the same, Republic TV fake TRP racket busted; Arvind Sawant & Majeed Memon reacts, News Channels rating scandal erupts across India, Republic TV cheated Bharat, SPPU Online Exams 2020: Pune University releases Mock Tests, Elephant sprays water on camel in viral adorable video, Trump says 'really good chance' of US stimulus deal, Israel-UAE deal shows intractable problems can be solved, New US jobless claims almost flat at 840,000. They defeated Belgium and Morocco in their first world cup in 1994 and passed the group stage but failed on the next three occasions. Pizzi was a prolific forward during his playing days. They have won Asian Cup three times so far and the same number of runner-up positions. Born in Argentina, Pizzi represented Spain at international level and featured at 1996 European Championship and 1998 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia was qualified for the World Cup 2018 being the runner-up of the AFC Group B qualification standing behind Japan. The testament to his ability came forward when he came on for Villarreal against Real Madrid in the 57th minute. However, we have a request for those who can afford to subscribe: please do. Salman Al-Dawsari: Salman Al Dawsari is an experienced central midfielder who is on loan at Villarreal from Al-Hilal. Coming to the FIFA World Cup after a gap of 12 years Saudi Arabia, the lowest ranked team in the tournament, will be more than hungry to show that they are a real threat. List of players with most possible chance to be included in the final squad of the World Cup 2018. of goals): Sami Al-Jaber: 3, Team analysis | Saudi Arabia: Rank outsider. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. The team currently ranks 54th in FIFA world ranking and their best ever ranking is 27 in November 1998. They qualified for the first time in 1994 and they had their best outing in that edition only. For the first time in 12 years, the Saudi Arabia Men’s National Football Team is headed to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Staff writer, Al Arabiya English Tuesday 01 May 2018 Text size A A A Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al Owais (Al Ahli), Yasser Al Mosailem (Al Ahli), Abdullah Al Mayouf (Al Hilal). Fahad Al-Muwallad: Known for his raw pace and to deny Barcelona in his early age, Fahad Al-Muwallad is the uprising star of Asia. The FIFA World Cup 2018 is scheduled to be held in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018. The final will be held at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. However, thanks to his spirited efforts, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Player who has played most world cups (appearances): Sami Al-Jaber: 4, Player who has scored most no. Former La Roja player, Juan Antonio Pizzi won the Copa America Centenario in 2016 with Chile as a manager. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler. Road to World Cup: The qualification for FIFA World Cup 2018 remained a last-minute effort for Saudi Arabia as they finished second in their group in round one of Asia’s qualifying. Billy Donovan named Chicago Bulls Head Coach, Suarez accused of cheating on Italian language test, Diego Schwartzman Reaches the Final of Italian Open; His first ATP Masters 1000 final, UFC President Dana White believes Tyron Woodley and Donald Cerrone should Start Thinking about Retirement, Khamzat Chimaev knocks out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds at UFC Vegas 11; Twitter Reacts, Dana White believes 'Boxing is in Big Trouble'; Criticizes the Promoters, Tyron Woodley talks about Mentoring Colby Covington in his Initial Days, ESPN's Maria Taylor Hits back To Radio Host for Sexist Outfit Comment. Saudi Arabia became the first Arab nation to qualify for Russia on September 5, 2017 with a 1-0 victory over Japan at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. The FIFA World Cup 2018 is scheduled to be held in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018. We promise to deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda. A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities. of times team has played in WC (number): 4, Top 3 players to watch: Osama Hawsawi, Taisir Al-Jassim, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi. Captain: Osama Hawsawi is a central defender who plays for Al-Hilal. Saudi Arabia (2018) Saudi Arabia Al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya Choose year: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 Team Intro: The team is heavily relying on its pace and they would try to outgun their opponents in Russia. A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities. They suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Sweden and till date, it is their best outing in a FIFA World Cup. According to al-Sheikh, the kingdom should start training thousands of Saudi boys between the ages of 12 and 16 in order to eventually form a powerful national football team. Majed Abdullah is the top scoring player with 71 goals so far and Mohamed Al-Deayea is the highest capped player with 178 appearances. Midfielders: Abdullah Al Khaibari (Al Shabab), Abdulmalek Al Khaibri (Al Hilal), Abdullah Otayf (Al Hilal), Taiseer Al Jassim (Al Ahli), Houssain Al Mogahwi (Al Ahli), Salman Al Faraj, Mohamed Kanno (both Al Hilal), Hattan Bahebri (Al Shabab), Salman Al Dawsari (Al Hilal), Yahya Al Shehri (Al Nassr), Fahad Al Muwallad (Al Ittihad). Squad: Saudi Arabia have picked the entire squad from the home league entrusting faith in them to surge ahead in the FIFA World Cup 2018. Fahad Al-Muwallad scored the lone goal of the game and Saudi safely advanced to World Cup 2018. Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo had already given Los Blancos a first-half two-nil lead.