FIFA World Cup
A win will put Saudi Arabia on four points, a total that would either put them in contention for second place or leave them strongly placed in the battle for one of the best third-placed slots.
The Green Falcons began their campaign with encouragement, holding Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Miami in a performance that suggested they could compete in one of the tournament’s trickier groups.
Abdulelah Al Amri’s first-half goal gave Saudi Arabia a platform, and although Uruguay eventually found the equaliser, the result left head coach Georgios Donis’ side with something to build on.
That optimism, however, was badly tested in their second match as Spain clinched a ruthless 4-0 win in Atlanta.
Abdulelah Al Amri’s first-half goal gave Saudi Arabia a platform, and although Uruguay eventually found the equaliser, the result left head coach Georgios Donis’ side with something to build on.
That optimism, however, was badly tested in their second match as Spain clinched a ruthless 4-0 win in Atlanta.
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Saudi Arabia set up with a deep defensive structure but were undone early, conceding three times inside the opening half-hour before an own goal completed a difficult afternoon.
The burden of breaking down Cabo Verde’s defence lies with Salem Al Dawsari, while Firas Al Buraikan, Saleh Al Shehri and Musab Al Juwayr all have important roles to play in giving the team more presence in the final third.
The burden of breaking down Cabo Verde’s defence lies with Salem Al Dawsari, while Firas Al Buraikan, Saleh Al Shehri and Musab Al Juwayr all have important roles to play in giving the team more presence in the final third.
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Donis is likely to freshen his line-up against an unbeaten Cabo Verde side that has been one of the stories of the group stage.
Pedro Leitao Brito’s side held Spain to a goalless draw before earning a 2-2 result against Uruguay, scoring their first FIFA World Cup goals through Kevin Pina and Helio Varela.
Cabo Verde know victory would guarantee a historic place in the Round of 32, but Saudi Arabia will be equally aware that their own campaign still has life.
Pedro Leitao Brito’s side held Spain to a goalless draw before earning a 2-2 result against Uruguay, scoring their first FIFA World Cup goals through Kevin Pina and Helio Varela.
Cabo Verde know victory would guarantee a historic place in the Round of 32, but Saudi Arabia will be equally aware that their own campaign still has life.
Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia
Houston Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Kick-off: Friday, 19:00 (UTC-5)
Houston Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Kick-off: Friday, 19:00 (UTC-5)
