Arabs wait expectantly for crunch Saudi, Tunisia games

DOHA: After savouring Saudi Arabia's historic World Cup victory over Argentina, Arab fans are hoping for a Saudi win against Mexico to keep the team in the tournament, while praying for a miracle for Tunisia as it takes on France on Wednesday (Nov 30).

The Qatar World Cup, the first to be hosted in the Middle East, has been a cause for celebration among many Arabs thanks to Saudi Arabia's defeat of two-times champions Argentina and a shock victory for Morocco over Belgium in the group stage.

"There is a big solidarity between us, Morocco, Tunisia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We support each other," said Morocco supporter Khalim Farouki, 25, in Doha.

The performances have generated a shared sense of pride among many Arab fans despite the numerous political tensions that crisscross their volatile region.

Victory over Mexico in the match kicking off at 1900 GMT would book Saudi Arabia a place in the round of 16 for the first time since their World Cup debut in 1994. If both Saudi Arabia and Morocco get through, it would be the first time two Arab sides have made it out of the group stage.

"Look at what Saudi Arabia and Morocco have done. We are very happy with what the Arabs have achieved," said Tunisian Imed Layouni, who plans to take off his evening work shift to watch both the Tunisian and Saudi matches at a Tunis cafe.

"Saudi Arabia's performance against Argentina was really very honourable to every Arab. We support strongly this great team. We hope that it will be crowned with a Tunisian and Saudi victory today," he said.

While Tunisia may struggle to get through, he is hoping for a good performance to lift people's spirits in a country facing an economic crisis: "Tunisians need joy. Nothing is going well here."

Morocco, in second