Saudi Gazette report

DOHA — Saudi Arabia’s Coach Hervé Renard acknowledged that the loss against Mexico 1-2 in the third round of World Cup group matches on Wednesday is realistic, given that the Green Falcons failed to demonstrate their desired level so as to deserve a victory and qualification to the knockout round.

While addressing a press conference after the match, the coach appreciated Mohammed Al-Owais, the goalkeeper, saying that he saved the team from a heavy defeat.

Renard congratulated the players for their efforts during the World Cup, indicating that the national team almost repeated the achievement of the 1994 World Cup. “We will prepare the national team for the Asian Cup finals, which will be played after a year, and then for the World Cup qualifiers,” he said.

The loss to Mexico put the Saudi national team in the last position of Group C after finishing fourth with 3 points.

Renard said: “I tried to do my best by encouraging the players, but what happened against Mexico was that it seemed to be difficult for them to play quickly and ferociously but Mohammed Al-Owais saved us from a miserable result.”

“The absence of a large number of players has contributed to a lower performance than we did during the matches between Argentina and Poland. After injuries, we had to adapt to the situation, and in front of Mexico, we did not play well except in the last minutes,” he added.