We are still alive, says Saudi coach Renard

Doha, Nov 26

Saudi Arabia head coach Herve Renard asserted that the Green Falcons' hopes are still alive after their 2-0 defeat against Poland on Saturday at Education City Stadium in Doha in a Group C match of Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022.

“Despite the defeat, I am very proud on my players as they showed a top game. We did not lose the game because we are unlucky. However, the team was not fully efficient. Abdullah al Malki did a mistake for the second goal, but I will not blame him alone. It is a team which comprised of many players and the mistakes could happen anytime in a football game. We will fight until our last game,” he added.

The French man pointed out during the post press conference that he needs the stadium full of green again in the forthcoming game. “ I understood that in football the result is the most important for everyone and all the fans were looking for a positive result today. However, the chance is still alive for the team to qualify. My message to all the fans is to attend in the third game against Mexico to support the team and achieve the desired target. Their attendance will raise the chances of the team to perform better and move to the next stage,” he said.

Replying to a question on the penalty taken by Salim al Dawsari, the 54 years old responded: ”We have a plan for players for taking the penalties. Salim was selected as first beside two others in the list. Missing a goal from penalty has happened to many top players in the world.”

The Saudi football manager appreciated the performance of the Polish’s goalie Szczesny Wojciech after he saved many scoring attempts. “There are many top players in the Poland team including the top star Robert Lewandowski who scored in the game. Besides that, goalkeeper Wojciech was the man of the match after he avoided many goals of Saudi,” he ended.

GREAT MOMENT

Man of the match Robert Lewandowski expressed his joy after he assisted his team to clinch a crucial win over Saudi Arabia. “ I cannot express my feelings to represent the team and finally score in the World Cup. The goal has a top value and came in style. I missed a penalty for the team in the opener. However, I learned from mistake and could play better in today’s match,” he said.

On the other hand, Poland head coach Czesław Michniewicz said that he is looking for the team to stay longer in the Fifa World Cup in Qatar. “This match made the hopes alive for Poland and we are very proud of the team’s performance today. We have done only two substitutions in the game and depended on the same players although many would like to take part in the World Cup matches. The main focus is to register the winning results that ensure team’s appearance in the top global football event,” he added.