Preview: Saudi Arabia in Tough Mission against Japan in World Cup Qualifiers
The Saudis edged China 1-0 last week, ending a four-match winless streak, thanks to Captain Salem Al-Dawsari's strike reignited their campaign, lifting them to third in Group C with nine points.
With three games remaining, they trail Australia by one point but lead Indonesia, Bahrain, and China by three. However, only the top two secure direct entry to the 2026 World Cup, while third and fourth face playoff hurdles. Defensive Blow for Green Falcons
The Green Falcons face a double blow as defensive duo Saud Abdulhamid and Hassan Kadish will miss this crucial match due to injuries. Coach Herve Renard expresses confidence in his squad to secure a finals ticket. He emphasizes the need for readiness heading into the game.
'We face a very strong team, but this match is vital with only three games left,' Renard stated on Monday. 'We must prepare for a challenging game. In football, self-belief is essential for qualification.'
'It's a tough sprint for the second position,' Renard added. 'Japan plays with discipline and will compete at 100 percent.'
On the other hand, Japan have already secured qualification but aim to extend their unbeaten run. The Blue Samurai top Group C with 19 points, scoring 24 goals—10 more than any rival. Moreover, their defense shone too, keeping 11 clean sheets in 13 qualifiers. Hajime Moriyasu's squad blends attacking flair with defensive resilience, making them favorites. Historical Edge Favors Blue Samurai
Historically, Japan have proven formidable against Saudi Arabia, winning 11 out of their last 18 encounters, while Saudi Arabia secured victory in 5 game, with one match ending in a draw. Their most recent clash was in October 2024, where Japan won 2-0.
Possible Lineups:
Japan: Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, H. Ito; J. Ito, Endo, Tanaka, Mitoma; Kubo, Kamada; Machino
Saudi Arabia: Al-Aqidi; Al-Shanqeeti, Tambakti, Lajami, Boushal; Al-Juwayr, Al-Ghamdi, Yahya, N. Al-Dawsari, S. Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan
This clash pits Japan's consistency against Saudi Arabia's desperation. Will the Green Falcons defy history? Or will the Blue Samurai continue their dominance? Stay tuned for live coverage as this high-stakes showdown unfolds!
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