Latest news with #AlNassr
West Australian
5 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Popovic vows Socceroos will embrace Saudi challenge
Excited and ready to embrace the challenge. That was the message from Australia coach Tony Popovic and cult hero Aziz Behich as the Socceroos prepare to clear the final hurdle in achieving automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup finals. After the 1-0 win over Japan last week even a modest defeat in Jeddah will take Australia to North America, but Popovic insisted the team will be aiming to win, not just defend for 90 minutes and aim to keep the score down. "We have put ourselves in a very good position and we have the chance to finish the job against a tough opponent," said Popovic. "We understand how difficult it will be but we are confident we can win the game. "We have to have the attitude - and I know we will - the mentality, the approach, to win the match. It won't be easy, Saudi Arabia are a good side and at home with their support it will be more difficult. But these are the moments you want as a footballer, that you want as a nation. "We are in a very good position. We understand we have to work extremely hard but we are confident we can finish the job." Australia's superior goal difference means the Saudis need to win by five goals to leapfrog them and join Japan as the automatic qualifiers from Group C in Asian Zone qualifying round three. It does not seem likely. In nine games in the group so far Saudi Arabia have scored six goals and Australia conceded six. Moreover the teams have played three times in the last five years, all in World Cup qualifiers, and only one goal has been scored, by the Saudis in a 1-0 win in 2022. Behich, who sent Australia into raptures with his 90th-minute winner against Japan in Perth, echoed Popovic's words. "We have worked hard to put ourselves in this position," said the Melbourne City defender. "We know it will be a difficult game but we have prepared really well and we are are very confident with the ability and the squad we have that we can get the job done. "We know what is up for grabs and we can't wait to kick off." In an effort to create a full house and a partisan atmosphere tickets are being given away, but Behich, who had a loan spell with Al Nassr in the Kingdom last year, said he relished the prospect. "I'm expecting a great atmosphere," he said. "This is what we play for. Japan was a hostile environment but the boys embraced that. You don't want to play in empty stadiums. "It is exciting, you get that extra buzz, playing for your national team in a full stadium, and on top of that qualifying for a World Cup automatically, which we haven't done for a while. "You can see the excitement in the boys and I am looking forward to it." Popovic, who stressed the need to play the match, not the occasion, added: "These are the challenges you must face at this level of football. "We have faced many together since I became the coach, starting with China - needing to win the first game to get off to a good start. Then all along the journey. We had one against Japan a few days ago, big pressure, a full stadium. We overcame that. I'm sure the young boys will embrace it.
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Popovic vows Socceroos will embrace Saudi challenge
Excited and ready to embrace the challenge. That was the message from Australia coach Tony Popovic and cult hero Aziz Behich as the Socceroos prepare to clear the final hurdle in achieving automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup finals. After the 1-0 win over Japan last week even a modest defeat in Jeddah will take Australia to North America, but Popovic insisted the team will be aiming to win, not just defend for 90 minutes and aim to keep the score down. "We have put ourselves in a very good position and we have the chance to finish the job against a tough opponent," said Popovic. "We understand how difficult it will be but we are confident we can win the game. "We have to have the attitude - and I know we will - the mentality, the approach, to win the match. It won't be easy, Saudi Arabia are a good side and at home with their support it will be more difficult. But these are the moments you want as a footballer, that you want as a nation. "We are in a very good position. We understand we have to work extremely hard but we are confident we can finish the job." Australia's superior goal difference means the Saudis need to win by five goals to leapfrog them and join Japan as the automatic qualifiers from Group C in Asian Zone qualifying round three. It does not seem likely. In nine games in the group so far Saudi Arabia have scored six goals and Australia conceded six. Moreover the teams have played three times in the last five years, all in World Cup qualifiers, and only one goal has been scored, by the Saudis in a 1-0 win in 2022. Behich, who sent Australia into raptures with his 90th-minute winner against Japan in Perth, echoed Popovic's words. "We have worked hard to put ourselves in this position," said the Melbourne City defender. "We know it will be a difficult game but we have prepared really well and we are are very confident with the ability and the squad we have that we can get the job done. "We know what is up for grabs and we can't wait to kick off." In an effort to create a full house and a partisan atmosphere tickets are being given away, but Behich, who had a loan spell with Al Nassr in the Kingdom last year, said he relished the prospect. "I'm expecting a great atmosphere," he said. "This is what we play for. Japan was a hostile environment but the boys embraced that. You don't want to play in empty stadiums. "It is exciting, you get that extra buzz, playing for your national team in a full stadium, and on top of that qualifying for a World Cup automatically, which we haven't done for a while. "You can see the excitement in the boys and I am looking forward to it." Popovic, who stressed the need to play the match, not the occasion, added: "These are the challenges you must face at this level of football. "We have faced many together since I became the coach, starting with China - needing to win the first game to get off to a good start. Then all along the journey. We had one against Japan a few days ago, big pressure, a full stadium. We overcame that. I'm sure the young boys will embrace it.
South China Morning Post
10 hours ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Ronaldo set to stay at Saudi club Al-Nassr as another World Cup looms closer
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly ended speculation about his club future, and said he would continue to play at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr as he also probably sets his sights on next year's World Cup. 'Nothing is going to change. Playing at Al-Nassr? Yes,' he was quoted as saying early on Monday by several reports after captaining Portugal to the Nations League title in Munich. Ronaldo, 40, joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after falling out with coach Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. His current contract is until June 30. Fifa president Gianni Infantino had recently suggested that Ronaldo could move to a side qualified for the upcoming Club World Cup. Ronaldo on Saturday confirmed talks but said he would not be at the tournament in the United States. On Sunday, Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties to give Ronaldo and his team a third trophy, the others being at Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League. Ronaldo and Portugal coach Roberto Martinez celebrate the Nations League win. Photo: Reuters 'I have many titles but there is nothing better than winning with the national team,' the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said.
BreakingNews.ie
11 hours ago
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Nothing will change – Cristiano Ronaldo intends to remain at Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he intends to stay with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. There had been speculation – fuelled by FIFA president Gianni Infantino – the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could join a club competing in this summer's Club World Cup on a short-term deal. Advertisement The 40-year-old had also hinted his future could lie elsewhere when he posted a message on social media at the end of Al Nassr's season that read: 'This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.' But speaking after Portugal's triumph over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday – in which Ronaldo scored his 138th international goal – the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star said he would not be moving on. 'Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes,' the forward told reporters. Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League side in December 2022 after a second spell at United ended in controversy following an interview in which he criticised the Premier League club. Advertisement FIFA president Gianni Infantino was responsible for some of the rumours about Ronaldo (Nick Potts/PA) His contract in Riyadh was due to expire this summer, prompting speculation linking him with Brazilian club Botafogo, who are involved in the Club World Cup. Infantino added credence to the reports by saying 'Ronaldo might play for one of the teams' featuring at the tournament in the United States and that 'there are discussions with some clubs'. This comes after Infantino and governing body FIFA were criticised over the manner in which they handed a host nation spot at the event to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami without them winning Major League Soccer.
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Cristiano Ronaldo drops hint over future after Club World Cup transfer speculation
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that he will remain at Al-Nassr amid speculation that he could seek a move in order to compete at this summer's Club World Cup. The 40-year-old's future has been up in the air with his contract at the Saudi Arabian club due to come to an end on June 30. He joined the club in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United and has been instrumental in elevating the league's credibility. However, a cryptic social media post suggested that the five-time Ballon d'Or was ready to part ways with the club. Following a 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh in their final game of the season, which saw Al-Nassr finish third in the league, Ronaldo took to X to say: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all." But now, Ronaldo has backtracked on his earlier statement and seemingly vowed to remain at his current employers. After Portugal's Nations League final victory over Spain last night, which saw Roberto Martinez 's side emerge victorious on penalties, the striker has suggested that his future lies with Al-Nassr. The Portugal captain said: "Future? Nothing will change. Al-Nassr? Yes." Ronaldo extended his goalscoring record against Spain, claiming his 138th international goal in the 61st minute to put Portugal on terms. He was subbed off in the 88th minute and was not involved in the subsequent penalty shootout. He was seen in tears when Ruben Neves scored the winning spot kick as Portugal reigned supreme over their Spanish neighbours, becoming the first team to become two-time winners. After Al-Nassr failed to qualify for the Club World Cup, Fifa president Gianni Infantino proposed the idea of Ronaldo joining a team still involved in the competition. However, it appears Ronaldo has turned various participating teams down, with Argentinian giants River Plate among those who reportedly sent proposals his way. "Some teams reached out to me,' Ronaldo added. 'Some made sense and others did not, but you can't try and do everything. You can't catch every ball."
