FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview: 'Nothing has changed' - Saudi coach Renard
 Posted on : Nov 26, 2022, 12:16PM   6 total views  Category : FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview: Poland vs Saudi Arabia (21:00pm Brunei)

Saudi Arabia celebrating a goal against Argentina

Salem Al Dawsari became just the second Saudi Arabia player to score in more than one edition of the World Cup, along with Sami Al Jaber (3).

 

Manager Herve Renard says Saudi Arabia's stunning win over Argentina will count for little if they fail to get out their World Cup group.

 

Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat the two-time winners 2-1 in one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

 

They can seal their place in the knockout rounds with a win in their second game against Poland on Saturday.

 

"Nothing has changed. We are still the lowest team in the group in terms of ranking and experience," said Renard.

 

"The only good thing at the end of this stage is to finish number one or two."

 

The Saudis, ranked 51st in the world, reached the last 16 on their World Cup debut in 1994 but have not advanced to the knockout phase in their past four attempts.

 

"We know where we come from and we keep our humility because if we don't have the humility we won't be able to play a good game," added Frenchman Renard.

 

Meanwhile, Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz said Robert Lewandowski will remain first-choice penalty taker despite his miss in their goalless draw against Mexico.

 

Michniewicz added that the size of the occasion may have got to some of his players but expects to see an improved performance against Saudi Arabia.

 

"Perhaps stage fight paralysed a few people," he said. "But it will not be there anymore."

 

TEAM NEWS

Saudi Arabia will be without defender Yasser Al Shahrani who is expected to miss the rest of the tournament after suffering abdominal and facial injuries in a collision with goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais against Argentina.

 

Captain Salman Al Faraj is also doubtful with a shin problem.

 

Poland have doubts over Krystian Bielik and Bartosz Bereszynski, who both picked up knocks against Mexico.

 

-- Courtesy of BBC Sport

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