LOS ANGELES: Saudi Arabia was held to a goalless draw against 10-man Senegal on Wednesday in the two teams’ final friendly before the start of the World Cup.
Giorgos Donis, Saudi Arabia's Greek coach, fielded a strong starting line-up in the first half before making 10 changes after the break.
Senegal finished the match with 10 players after forward Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the 84th minute for a second yellow card.
Saudi Arabia produced an impressive performance in the opening stage, threatening goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s goal on several occasions, most notably in the 10th minute when Musab al Juwayr went close following a clever pass from captain Salem al Dawsari.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed al Owais comfortably saved a header from Lamine Camara in the 14th minute.
Mohammed Abu al Shamat missed a chance to put Saudi Arabia ahead in the 30th minute when he headed over the bar from close range.
Senegal pressed hard in the closing stages of the first half but failed to seriously trouble Al Owais.
Substitute Ayman Yahya unleashed a powerful long-range effort just after the hour mark that narrowly missed the right post.
Saudi Arabia begin their World Cup Group H campaign against Uruguay on June 16 before facing Spain and Cape Verde.
Senegal, meanwhile, open their Group I campaign against France before taking on Norway and Iraq.
IRAQ FALL TO VENEZUELA
Iraq lost 2-0 to Venezuela on Wednesday in their final warm-up friendly before the World Cup.
Midfielder Cristian Casseres opened the scoring for the South Americans in Bridgeville, Illinois in the 17th minute with a close-range finish.
Venezuela doubled their lead immediately after interval when Casseres won the ball before passing to striker Jesus Ramirez, who dribbled past a defender and fired in a powerful shot.
Iraq finished the match with 10 men after forward Ali Youssef was shown a straight red card in the 72nd minute.
Iraq return to the World Cup finals for the first time since their only appearance 40 years ago, and will begin their Group I campaign against Norway on June 17 before facing France and Senegal.
Venezuela is not a participant in this year's tournament in North America, and remains the only South American nation to never qualify for the World Cup finals. — Reuters
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