There were plenty of reasons to be pleased with Saudi Arabia’s successful qualification campaign for the 2022 World Cup. These include winning the group above Japan and Australia, the fact that two local strikers Saleh Al-Shehri and Firas Al-Buraikan finished in the top two places for goals scored in the third round, and the way that the team have developed since coach Herve
The sun is setting on the UAE’s second “Golden Generation” of footballers. Ismail Matar, Ali Khaseif, Omar Abdulrahman and Ali Mabkhout thrilled the world at the London 2012 Olympics, won the Gulf Cup in 2013 and then, as arguably one of the continent’s best teams, captured hearts as they reached the last four of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia. But the coveted place at
Diego Maradona believes United Arab Emirates can outrank Australia in their FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying pool, but that finishing above Saudi Arabia will be an uphill challenge. The UAE are fourth in Group B, behind the Aussies on goal differenc.
State of the art venues? Check. Packed stadiums? Check. Electric atmosphere? Check. Thrilling matches? Check. Huge tickets demand? Check. Flawless arr.