Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The presence of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, at the stadium had an electrifying impact on the spectacular victory of Saudi national team that qualified for the 2018 World Cup finals.

Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium was packed on Tuesday night with more than 62,000 young Saudi fans, who had an opportunity to watch the match free of charge in line with a directive from the Crown Prince, and they cheered their football team to a brilliant win that put the Kingdom on the road to Russia.

The Crown Prince flashed the victory sign when the referee blew the final whistle at the end the match. And it was the true reflection of the euphoria of the Saudi youth over this stunning victory. His sign of victory, which heralded an all-out celebrations in the stadium and outside across the Kingdom, had a double effect on the spirit of joy for not only the players and the fans but also the entire Saudi people who were excited to see the Green team roaring into the World Cup finals after a gap of 12 years.

It is for the fifth time Saudi Arabia is playing in the World Cup finals and it last played in the finals in Germany in 2006.

The presence of Crown Prince made the moment more beautiful and memorable in the history of Saudi sports. Undoubtedly, the spirit of youth was embodied in a leader who stood as a fan in the stadium, boosting the team to grab the victory.

Saudi Arabia’s brilliant victory placed it second in the Group B with 19 points and was the result of a much-thought-out strategy and the outcome of the team’s outstanding performance until the last minute of the match coupled with the relentless hard work and efforts behind the scene on the part of the officials and all those concerned with the team.

On Saturday, the Crown Prince had issued a directive to allow the Saudi soccer fans into the stadium for the match free of charge. The Crown Prince’s order came as a tremendous boost to the national team in its march to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals and in recognition of the role of the Saudi fans in supporting their national football team.