The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have become perennial whipping boys in this competition, to such an extent that one has to wonder why, or indeed how, they bother coming back. They return, however, to face another potential mauling in Germany. Their first match sees their best opportunity to grab some pride as they face Tunisia, expected to be their weakest group opponents.
Neither side shows much sign of form in a scrappy first half. Ziad Jazari volleys the Tunisians in front after 23 minutes and his side look stronger than the Saudis.
The start of the second half seems to be equally tepid, but I am paying little attention as I have other things to occupy me. Yasser Al Khatani equalises, meaning that the Saudis have already scored one more than they did in 2002. Nothing much seems to happen until Sami Al Jaber comes on near the end and within a couple of minutes scores a winner for Saudi Arabia.
This sets up a frantic finish. With four minutes of injury time signalled, Tunisia press for the equaliser and Radhi Jaidi gets it, heading past the keeper with 93 minutes on the clock.
There is too little time for either side to fashion a winner. A point on the board is a plus for Saudi Arabia, but Tunisia will be disappointed having looked the better team for most of the game. Though I could be wrong.
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2 comments:
Saudi Arabia hasn't been good lately, but they did manage a great run in their World Cup debut 12 years ago.
The game was awesome...especially the second half of play. I thought we won with Al-Jabir's goal. Now, I'm still feeling a little sick as a result of that last minute tying goal.
Saudi Arabia hasn't been good lately, but they did manage a great run in their World Cup debut 12 years ago.
The game was awesome...especially the second half of play. I thought we won with Al-Jabir's goal. Now, I'm still feeling a little sick as a result of that last minute tying goal.
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