Saudi Arabia look a serious contender for the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup title after a dominating 3-1 win over defending champions Oman on Monday.
Herve Renard’s side had got to a worst possible start with a 1-3 loss to Kuwait in their opening match, but bounced back with easy wins over Bahrain and Oman to finish as Group B toppers.
Saudi will now face hosts Qatar in the semi-final at the Al Janoub Stadium tomorrow, in what will be a blockbuster show.
Saudi have won the Gulf Cup three times, but the last of it came in 2003, a drought Renard’s side will be keen to bring an end.
Renard was pleased with his team’s performance against Oman, but said his players are capable of playing much better.
“We are delighted with this precious win against Oman which came after we lost in the first game and won in the second despite the bad performance. Our performance improved significantly in this game,” said Renard.
“Our players made a good game. We managed to score two goals, and then quickly scored the third after their goal which reduced the difference,” the Frenchman added.
Saudi have not had happy recently memories in big tournaments.
At the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year, they were knocked out in the last 16 by Japan, and finished bottom of their group in the 2019 WAFF Championship without a win to show, albeit with second string players.
But since then their fortunes have improved. They are undefeated in the World Cup and Asian Cup joint qualifiers and will provide a stern test for Qatar. In Renard, Saudi has a tactically astute coach who has won two African Cup of Nations titles and will be no pushover.
Renard said the semi-final against Qatar would be good for the whole region and was excited to face the Asian champions.
“It is good to face a strong team who are the Asian champions. We have an excellent team and good players. I know Qatar are doing well and are a capable team. I congratulate Qatar coach Felix Sanchez for his good work,” he said.
“I am excited about this match because it will be between two big teams, and in a stadium full of fans. This is the fun of football. It is true that our fans will be less on the pitch, but I have trust in my team. It will be a good match for the Gulf region and the Arab region as a whole. It will be a beautiful match and we will work to prepare for it as required,” he added.
The Green Falcons will be looking to make the final at the Gulf Cup for the first time since 2014 — when they lost to Qatar— and for a first win at the tournament since 2004 when they topped the round-robin format to become champions.
Saudi Arabia had lost their first match of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup against Kuwait before bouncing back with wins over Bahrain and Oman. PICTURE: Anas Khalid
