Eager to start on front foot and get the win, says Saudi Arabia's Al Shehri

Al Shehri explained how beating Argentina in the World Cup was a game changer for Saudi Arabia’s national team.

Victory against eventual FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 champions Argentina had Saudi Arabia’s goal scorer Saleh Al Shehri believing they can beat any team, as they return to Qatar in pursuit of a fourth AFC Asian Cup title.

Al Shehri scored the first goal in the famous 2-1 victory at Lusail Stadium 14 months ago, and has since gone on to score four more times under new head coach Roberto Mancini, taking his overall tally to 13 goals in 27 caps for his country.

Next up for the Green Falcon is a fiery clash against neighbours Oman in their opening match of Group F at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.

“The first match in the tournament will be a challenge, we know that as players, and we are eager to start on the front foot and get the win,” said Al Shehri.

“The training camp was excellent. Ten days of preparation and good friendlies which we used to fix mistakes. We have a combination of young players and experienced ones. Our objective is to go as far as possible in the tournament, and hopefully with the support of our fans, we hope we can achieve that.

“The Argentina win served as a motivation for us, it made us realise we can beat any team. Yes, the pressure on us increased, but any player who wears the colours of Saudi Arabia will do their best every time.”

Despite making only four appearances for his club side Al Hilal this season, largely playing second fiddle to Serbian international Aleksandar Mitrovic, Al Shehri has been in hot form for the national team, where he forms part of a two-pronged attack in Mancini’s 3-5-2 formation.

The forward is set to share attacking duties with Feras Al Buraikan, Abdullah Radif and 16-year-old Talal Haji, a late inclusion in the Saudi Arabia squad.

“When you wear the colours of your country, you always try your best. I was fortunate to score multiple times in recent games. It is a technical decision from the coach whether I play 90 minutes, come off the bench or start then get substituted, I’m ready to serve the team and follow the coach’s instructions. We are one team united behind our objectives.”

“There are four of us as strikers, we all try to support the team by scoring as many goals as possible. Whichever one of us starts up front, we support them. We are all one under the same flag and if we win, it is an achievement for all of us.”

Focus on Saudi as a team, not individuals – Oman forward Harib Al Saadi

Oman and Saudi Arabia locked horns twice in the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with the Saudis battling out 1-0 wins in both legs, while it was Oman who won the most recent match between the two in January 2023 at the Gulf Cup in Iraq.

“I would like to thank Qatar for the hospitality. We are excited to play at the Asian Cup, and the players want to take the responsibility and represent the name of Oman in the best possible way,” said Oman forward Harib Al Saadi.

“Everyone knows the name of Saudi Arabia and their level in Asian football. In both games we played against them, we put in a good performance both in Oman and in Jeddah. Players change for sure, but Saudi Arabia remain one of the strongest teams in the continent.

“We focus on Saudi Arabia as a team, not individuals. Just like us, it is about the group together, and if we are all united, we can be superior as a team and get the result we want.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.