Bahrain game ‘crucial’ for Saudi World Cup qualification hopes, says coach Herve Renard
MANAMA: Saudi Arabia’s match against Bahrain on Thursday is “crucial” to their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, coach Herve Renard said on Wednesday.
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Dubai World Cup 2025 sets new attendance record
DUBAI: The 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse last weekend attracted a crowd of more than 65,000 racing enthusiasts to set a new record for the venue.
Swiatek gets extra security after harassment
MIAMI: World number two Iga Swiatek is receiving additional security at the Miami Open after she was harassed by a spectator during her practice. The issue comes after British player Emma Raducanu was targeted by a stalker during last month’s Dubai Open. Media reports said that Swiatek was verbally harassed by a spectator, who has a history of online attacks against the player, during practice on Sunday. “Security is a top priority. We monitor the network to catch these types of issues.
Spain coach hails emerging talent ahead of Netherlands clash
VALENCIA: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed his team’s “inexhaustible” supply of talent on Saturday, ahead of the Nations League quarter-final second leg clash against the Netherlands. Euro 2024 winners Spain fought back in the 2-2 first leg draw to stay unbeaten in their last 22 competitive games, with Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen making his debut as a substitute in Rotterdam on Thursday and impressing. The defender could be paired with the uncapped Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio on Sunday against the Netherlands, after Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi hurt his ankle in the first leg. “For us, many of the (breakthrough) players are not surprising, we know the quality of the raw material we have in this country,” De la Fuente told a news conference. “We can use players who have made history and who are great players today, with exceptional experience...
France midfielder Rabiot has a calf problem and could miss Croatia match
PARIS: France midfielder Adrien Rabiot has a minor calf injury and is doubtful to face Croatia in the return leg of the Nations League quarterfinals on Sunday. Rabiot came off midway through the second half on Thursday in Split, where Les Bleus lost 2-0. “Rabiot has a calf problem and will not train this (Saturday) evening,” Deschamps said at a pre-match news conference. “It looks complicated for tomorrow.” France won the Nations League in 2021 but lost to Croatia 1-0 at home the following year. Before Sunday’s game, France will pay tribute to all-time leading scorer Olivier Giroud, who retired from the national team last year after scoring 57 goals in 137 matches. Thierry Henry is second with 51 followed by Kylian Mbappé on 48.
Green Falcons start training ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Japan
SAITAMA, Japan: Saudi Arabia’s national football team started training on Saturday at Saitama Stadium’s training pitch in preparation for their clash against their host Japan on Tuesday. The Green Falcons will face off with Japan at Saitama Stadium 2002 as part of the eighth round of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On the field, head coach Herve Renard divided the players into two groups. The first group included those who played their recent match against China, and were assigned recovery exercises at the health club. The second group, which consisted of the remaining players, had warm-up exercises followed by small-sided games.
Al-Ittihad ready to wow home fans in FIFA Club World Cup opener, says coach
JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad head coach Marcelo Gallardo said his players are fully prepared for their FIFA Club World Cup opener on Tuesday and looking forward to putting on a show for the home fans in Saudi Arabia.