5 things we learned from Saudi’s 0-0 draw with Honduras in Abu Dhabi friendly

Saudi Arabia continued their preparation for the 2022 World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Honduras in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Herve Renard’s team continue to be stubborn at the back but lacking in attack.

Here are five things we learned from their latest outing.

1. Cutting edge still absent

The result takes Saudi Arabia’s unbeaten run to five games after two draws against fellow World Cup participants Ecuador and the US in September and then last week’s win over North Macedonia and draw with Albania. While that won’t do the team’s confidence any harm, this was a game that the Green Falcons should have won.

Honduras were not only without some of their regular starters, who are in action for their clubs, but also played the second half with only 10 men as Ivan Lopez was red-carded just before the break. Despite the man advantage (the Central Americans actually had another player and the coach sent off late into added time), the Saudis could not breach the Honduras defense. While there may be five games unbeaten, just two goals scored in seven games — and one of those a penalty — suggests that Saudi Arabia’s best hope in Qatar is their defense.

2. Time for the secrecy to end

This is the third game in a row in which coach Herve Renard has tried to keep his World Cup cards close to his chest in order to deprive Argentina, Mexico and Poland of a chance to see his team, players, tactics and formation. The one downside of having more preparation games than anyone else is that other teams can get a good look at how you are doing, but in this case, opposition scouts and analysts will likely have spent more time looking at the qualification campaign for Qatar 2022. 

It is difficult, however, for Saudi Arabian fans to feel the