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Saudi Arabia (Group D)
Updated: 2007-07-07 20:26 Saudi Arabia go into the AFC Asian Cup looking to put the disappointment of three years ago behind them, when they failed to reach the final of the competition for the first time in their history. Saudi Arabia made history in 1984 when they won the competition in their inaugural appearance after goals from Shaye Nafisah and the legendary Majed Abdullah were enough to overcome China in the final, while four years later they successfully defended their title after beating Korea Republic in a penalty shoot-out. They failed to make it three consecutive titles in 1992 after a 1-0 defeat to Japan in the final but regained their crown in the United Arab Emirates four years later thanks to another penalty shootout victory, this time against the hosts. But after a disappointing Gulf Cup campaign last January, they dispensed with the services of Brazilian coach Marcus Paqueta, who was in charge of the team during last summer’s World Cup and also steered them to the Asian Cup finals, and replaced him with compatriot Helio Anjos. In view of the surprising omissions of Mohammed Noor and Nawaf Al Temyat, who were not included in Saudi Arabia’s provisional squad, the midfield will be marshalled by Saud Khariri, twice winner of the AFC Champions League with Al Ittihad, and 2006 AFC Player of the Year nominee Mohammad Al Shalhoub. Up front there will be plenty of options for the Brazilian coach to choose from with the ever-present Yasser Al Qahtani, Malek Maaz, Saad Al Harthi, Naji Majrashi and Saleh Bashir all vying for a place in the side. While the focus will be on tasting success in the Asian Cup for the first time in 11 years, the Saudis will first have to negotiate a tricky group stage that sees them come up against three-time winners Korea Republic, neighbours Bahrain and co-hosts Indonesia. However, Anjos’ side will still be among the favourites when the showpiece tournament kicks-off on July 7 and it would be a major surprise if they were again not involved in the latter stages. |