Latest news with #HerveRenard
Arab News
a day ago
- Health
- Arab News
Green Falcons hold Alkhobar training session in preparation for World Cup qualifiers
KHOBAR: The Saudi national football team held a training session on Saturday in Alkhobar, as they continue preparing for the decisive ninth and 10th rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport French coach Herve Renard supervised the team as they held a light recovery session at the health facilities of the Green Falcons' base camp, a media statement said. Injured left back Muteb Al-Harbi continued his rehabilitation program under the medical staff's supervision, while teammate Mohammed Bakr resumed physical training with the team's fitness coach. After the recovery session ended, Renard gave the players some free time, with the squad scheduled to return later this evening at their base. The Green Falcons' preparations resume tomorrow night with a full training session at 7 p.m. in Ettifaq Club Stadium. The first 15 minutes of the session will be open to the media to offer a glimpse into the team's readiness as the qualifiers draw near. Saudi Arabia stands at third place in Group C with 10 points from eight matches. Japan tops the group on 20 points, while second-place Australia has 13 points. The Green Falcons play against Bahrain on June 5 and Australia on June 10.
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
RIYADH: The Saudi national football team trained on Thursday evening at their preparatory camp in Al-Khobar, as part of the build-up for their crucial ninth and tenth rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport French coach Herve Renard supervised the training, which was held at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium, a media statement said. The training session began with warm-up training followed by tactical exercises and a half-field game, before it concluded with stretching routines aimed at muscle recovery and injury prevention. In a positive development, defender Ali Majrashi returned to full training with the squad after recovering from a recent injury. Muteb Al-Harbi and Mohammed Bakr continued their individual rehabilitation programs under the supervision of the medical team. The Green Falcons will resume their preparation on Friday afternoon with a closed-door training match against the Jordanian national team, also scheduled to take place at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia draw with Japan to keep World Cup hopes alive
Saudi Arabia battled to a 0-0 away draw with already qualified Japan on Tuesday to keep their fading hopes of an automatic place at the 2026 World Cup alive. The Saudis went into the game in Saitama in third place in Asian qualifying third round Group C, one point behind Australia. The top two teams qualify directly for next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with those placing third and fourth going into another qualifying round. Runaway group leaders Japan locked up their place last week and the Saudis made sure they stayed in contention with two games remaining after a dogged defensive effort. The Saudis travel to face Bahrain in June before they host what could be a decisive clash against Australia. Saudi coach Herve Renard was missing several players through injury but his team were coming into the game fresh from beating China 1-0 for their first win in five qualifiers. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu made six changes from the side that beat Bahrain 2-0 to clinch qualification, with winger Kaoru Mitoma, striker Ayase Ueda and midfielder Hidemasa Morita all ruled out with injury. Daizen Maeda started up front and the Celtic man hit the post in the ninth minute as Japan took control from the kick-off. Maeda had another chance 10 minutes later but could only shoot weakly after stumbling over the ball when clean through. Muhannad Al Shanqiti headed over the bar soon after with the Saudis' first attack of the game. Takefusa Kubo, Japan's man of the match against Bahrain, went close twice before half-time, before Maeda fluffed another effort shortly after the interval. Moriyasu's substitutions changed the game against Bahrain and he rolled the dice again, bringing on Junya Ito and Ritsu Doan shortly after the hour mark. But Ito curled a shot over the bar with Japan's best chance of the second half as the Saudis escaped with a point. amk/dh
Daily Tribune
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Renard expecting no let-up from Japan as Saudis eye World Cup spot
Coach Herve Renard said Saudi Arabia are in a 'tough sprint' to reach the 2026 World Cup but he is not expecting any favours from already qualified Japan today. The Saudis are in third place in Group C in the third round of Asian qualifying and trail second-place Australia by a point with three games remaining. The top two teams advance directly to next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the third- and fourth-place sides go into another qualifying round. Runaway group leaders Japan have already clinched their place and Renard is not expecting them to take their foot off the gas when they face his Saudi side in Saitama.
Japan Times
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
Renard expecting no letup from Japan as Saudis eye World Cup spot
Coach Herve Renard said Saudi Arabia is in a "tough sprint" to reach the 2026 World Cup, but he is not expecting any favors from already qualified Japan on Tuesday. The Saudis are in third place in Group C in the third round of Asian qualifying and trail second-place Australia by a point with three games remaining. The top two teams advance directly to next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the third- and fourth-place sides go into another qualifying round. Runaway group leaders Japan has already clinched its place and Renard is not expecting it to take its foot off the gas when its faces his Saudi side in Saitama. "It's a tough sprint for the second position," the French coach said on Monday. "Concerning Japan, we know they are disciplined. We know their philosophy so there is no doubt they will play this game at 100%." Renard led the Saudis to a famous victory over eventual winners Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and he returned for a second stint in October last year when Roberto Mancini was fired. The Saudis picked up their first win in five qualifiers when they beat China 1-0 at home last week to move three points clear of Indonesia, Bahrain and China. They still have to travel to play Bahrain in the group before hosting Australia in their final match. First the Saudis have to face a rampant Japan, which has won six and drawn one of its seven games so far and punched its World Cup ticket with a 2-0 win over Bahrain last week. "We know we are playing against a very strong team but there are only three games remaining so it's very important for us," said Renard. "We need to be ready to have a tough game, but in football you have to believe in ourself and to believe in our qualification." Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said he would shuffle his pack to face the Saudis, with striker Ayase Ueda and midfielder Hidemasa Morita having already returned to their clubs. Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma is a doubt after missing training on Monday. Japan captain Wataru Endo said "who wants to win the game will be more important than tactics." "They are in a tough spot and they need to get a result, they want the three points," said the Liverpool midfielder. "We need to want it more than them. We're aiming to win the World Cup and we need to give everything in this game."
