FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template
Saudi Arabia coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is expected to stick with the side that drew 0-0 with England last month for the group C World Cup opener against Denmark in Lens on Friday. The Saudis completed a light training session south of Paris on Tuesday before heading to the match venue, north of the city. Parreira, the coach who guided Brazil to victory in 1994, put the team through some exercises and revealed that there were no injury worries. “Everyone is fit and available for selection – drawing with England was a big achievement and it’s probable that I will select that side for the match against Denmark,” he said.
That would mean a place in the starting lineup for one of the stars of USA 94, attacking midfielder Saeed Al-Owairan. Nicknamed the Desert Maradona, Al-Owairan scored arguably the best goal of the tournament against Belgium.
He evaded several tackles in a burst from midfield and hammered home to secure a win for the Saudis which propelled them to a place in the last 16.
That goal and his overall performance saw him crowned Asian Footballer of the Year and a lucrative move to Europe was on the cards before he was banned for 18 months for breaking Islamic law by attending an illegal drinks party.
He missed the Saudis’ Asian Cup triumph and the World Cup qualifiers but he resurrected his career with several good displays in this year’s Confederations Cup and was selected for France. In-form striker Sami Al-Jaber will also be in the side against Denmark and Parreira is hoping that he links well with the inspirational Al-Owairan.