Win or lose, Club World Cup final a sign of Saudi Arabia progress

10.02.2023 - 08:13 arabnews.com

SALE, MOROCCO: Regardless of whether Al-Hilal can beat Real Madrid in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday and become the first Asian team to win the title, these are jubilant times for sport in Saudi Arabia.

In 2016, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled Vision 2030, a project which aims to diversify an economy dependent on oil.

Government figures have noted that sports and entertainment industries play a central role in the vision. Al-Hilal beat South American champion Flamengo of Brazil 3-2 in the semifinals of the Club World Cup earlier this week in Morocco, already a famous victory for the team from Riyadh. “Flamengo was surprised by the skill of our players,” Al-Hilal coach Ramon Diaz said. “They did not expect us to play in such an excellent way.

We dominated the match, and we deserved to win and go to the final.” Salem Al-Dawsari scored twice against the team from Brazil. “We deserved to go to the final and we promise that we will try and bring the trophy to Saudi Arabia,” the winger said. “We did not come to Morocco just to participate.

Boxing win cup Cristiano Ronaldo Jake Paul Ramon Diaz Manchester Qatar Portugal Brazil Usa Argentina Morocco Saudi Arabia Riyadh Salem

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