Saudi Arabia’s fate is in their own hands, coach Herve Renard has said ahead of their crucial 24th Arabian Gulf Cup against Oman, adding that his team has the credentials to reach the semi-finals.
“We did not have enough time to prepare for the next game, but we have to be ready for this difficult group. Our fate depends on us. In fact our tournament began yesterday,” Renard said yesterday.
Defending champions Oman are at the top of Group B with four points, while Kuwait sits in second place with three points and a +1 goal difference. Saudi Arabia, in third place, also have three points but are behind on goal difference, and Bahrain is at the bottom of the group with one point.
“We do not fear any team, but we respect all teams. In the current situation, Oman is the top of our group and a draw is enough for them, and because of this, this task is not easy, and we have to play as we played against Bahrain. It is simple; we have to win.
“Only winning is the first choice. I lost in the first outing against Kuwait, but we are back and we have won against Bahrain. I hope this will be repeated in the next game against Oman.
“Everybody knows how difficult the preparations for this tournament were, especially since most of the players participated before the tournament in the AFC Champions League. And now the team is better with the return of Al Hilal players and we will play a high standard of football against Oman, but we must focus.”
Commenting on Oman’s performance, Renard said: “They are the champions of the last edition and are still the title holders and have a strong motivation to stay. They made a strong game against Kuwait and progressed 2-0 and did well; and in the second half retreated a bit, but they won in the end and topped the group.
“Well, I was satisfied with the young players in the first game, although the result was not positive. The players are very skilled. For me the competition started in the second round and the ceiling of our ambitions has risen,” the Frenchman said.
All of the remaining group stage matches will be played out today, with the Group A matches taking place at 5:30pm, and the Group B matches at 8:00pm. Iraq are currently the only team with a definitive place in the semi-finals.
“If you look back at the history of this Cup, you will find that teams which have lost the first match have won the championship. So nothing is lost and we have our task cut out. We have two win tomorrow,” Renard said.
Saudi Arabia’s players (in white) react to scoring a goal during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Group B match against Bahrain on Saturday. (AFP)
