World Soccer - UK (2019-12)

Russia, and the dismissal of Dutch coach

Bert Van Marwijk, the constant chopping

and changing has destabilised the side.

Renard retained just eight players from

Saudi Arabia’s 2018 World Cup squad,

but his transitional team struggled against

Palestine. The Saudis had already faced

scrutiny after contriving to draw 2-2

with Yemen in their first qualifier while

enjoying 80 per cent of ball possession.

Palestine were left to rue their chances

with centre-forward Saleh Chihadeh

squandering several opportunities and

Group D – which also includes Singapore

and Uzbekistan – remains wide open.

In the political arena the draw had

three winners: Saudi Arabia and Israel,

who maintain a cordial status quo, and

Palestine, who can now claim to have

a powerful new ally.

identity. This decision supports
Palestine and it helps in our stride
against occupation or anyone who
stands by Israel by silence or politics.
“We see it as a step of strategy. Talking
about normalisation on that issue is not
fair. It is a message from the Saudi to our
people: we are with you, and you are not
alone. Visiting and playing in Palestine is
recognising the Palestinian political entity.”
Newly appointed Saudi Arabia coach
Herve Renard added: “I am only a
football coach and we follow the
instructions. If you want my opinion,
it is better to be there. This is football.
If we can have one world with peace
everywhere, it would be perfect.
“Of course, it is not the case. We are
not politicians, we are football players
and coaches, we just have to enjoy this
game. We received a fantastic welcome,
even during our travel by road the people
were clapping. They were happy to see
the Saudi team in Palestine, so that is the
most important.”
The Frenchman, who was previously
in charge of Morocco, will not have
been pleased with a 0-0 draw against
Noureddine Ould Ali’s team. In theory,

Saudi Arabia, who are ranked 69th in the

world, should be no match for Palestine.

Last January, Palestine participated in

only their second Asian Cup, garnering

two points from draws with both Syria

and Jordan, a result that left coach

Ould Ali exposed to criticism for his

conservative approach.

Saudi Arabia have won the continental

tournament three times. They boast the

region’s best league, huge budgets and

modern infrastructure, but ever since

qualification for the 2018 World Cup in

“We received a fantastic welcome, even during our

travel by road the people were clapping. They were

happy to see the Saudi team in Palestine”

Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard

Welcome...Saudi

Arabia arrive

in Ramallah

Saudi boss...Herve

Renard (left) and his

assistant Patrice

Beaumelle

Backing...fans at

Palestine-Saudi

Arabia game