Latest news with #AbdulrahmanAl-Oboud
Leaders
3 days ago
- Sport
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia's Slim Defeat to Australia Delays World Cup Dreams
Saudi Arabia's national team faced a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Australia in the Group C final round of the AFC 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Jeddah's Alinma Stadium on Tuesday, delaying their qualification to the Asian next phase in October. Forward Abdulrahman Al-Oboud opened the scoring for the Green Falcons almost 20 minutes into the first half, igniting hopes among fans that Saudi Arabia could secure a crucial victory. However, Connor Metcalfe equalized for Australia just before halftime, shifting the momentum of the match, while just three minutes after the break, Mitch Duke headed in a goal, giving Australia a 2-1 lead. This goal was decisive as Saudi Arabia struggled to regain control of the match. Despite creating multiple goal-scoring opportunities, including a notable penalty save by Maty Ryan against Salem Al-Dawsari, the Green Falcons could not find the back of the net again. Australia's defense held firm, securing the vital second spot in the group and guaranteeing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Road Ahead for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia needed to win by at least five goals to qualify directly for the World Cup. Although they fell short, the team can take pride in their performance and growth throughout the qualifiers. They will now shift their focus to the upcoming Gold Cup in the USA, where they will compete against strong teams. This tournament will provide valuable experience and preparation ahead of the final World Cup qualifying matches later this year. With this victory, Australia secured the last automatic qualification slot for the 2026 World Cup. They join already qualified teams such as Iran and Japan, along with Jordan and Uzbekistan, who will make their World Cup debuts. As Saudi Arabia reflect on this setback, they remain determined to improve and secure their place in the World Cup. The journey continues, and the Green Falcons will strive to rise to the occasion in the next phase of qualifying. Short link : Post Views: 15
Arab News
06-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Benzema's last-gasp winner puts Al-Ittihad top of Saudi Pro League
Karim Benzema left it late, but gave Al-Ittihad a 2-1 win at Al-Taawoun on Thursday that sent the Tigers three points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League. The Frenchman's 95th-minute strike means that Al-Ittihad now lead Al-Hilal, although the Riyadh giants have a game in hand. Al-Ittihad's in-form Abdulrahman Al-Oboud put the visitors ahead after 21 minutes, pouncing quickly on a rebound. Coach Laurent Blanc thought he was taking his team back into the dressing room at the break with a lead, but 10 minutes into added time at the end of the first half, Musa Barrow equalized for the Buraidah club. Faycal Fajr floated over a corner from the left that found Barrow unmarked at the far side of the area. His low volley took a deflection from Danilo Pereira to go past Predrag Rajkovic and into the back of the net. The nine-time champions then poured forward in an attempt to get the win, but it proved to be a frustrating second half with a penalty decision overturned by VAR and the woodwork intervening. However, five minutes into added time, Benzema grabbed his 14th goal of the season to move just one goal behind Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the standings. Houssem Aouar burst free through the middle and then slipped a clever pass into the left side of the area for the former Real Madrid marksman to send a left-footed first-time shot into the back of the net and send the traveling fans into raptures. It was a dramatic end to the game and perhaps a crucial one in the title race. Al-Hilal will go back into pole position if they beat Damac on Saturday.
