Renard’s Saudi World Cup preparations start with final qualifier against Australia

It has been a long road to the World Cup for Saudi Arabia but now the team has qualified, preparation starts in earnest on Tuesday against Australia.

That is the bonus for booking a place in Qatar early. It is a feeling that fans should savour but while the mood in the stands in Jeddah may be one of celebration, for coach Herve Renard and his players the focus is now no longer on getting to the tournament but being as successful as possible once there. 

This then is a valuable test even though it wasn’t what all expected. Most thought that the final Group B game in Jeddah against Australia would be a tense showdown with both teams in the running for a World Cup spot.

Instead, Saudi Arabia are already there and the visitors have had to accept third place. Now, it will be a surprise if the hosts don’t defeat the weakened and troubled Socceroos who are preparing for a play-off in June.

Thursday’s 1-1 draw with China may mean that Saudi Arabia have lost top spot behind Japan but victory would take their tally to an impressive 23 points and perhaps improve their FIFA ranking ahead of what is now the biggest event this week: Friday’s draw.

“It is important to finish the qualifiers well, especially as this game is at home in front of our own fans,” said Renard ahead of the game. “You should always do your best when representing the country and this is an important game for us.”

There are few issues for the home team. Star winger Salem Al-Dawsari has missed training with a thigh injury but could start. Young Al-Shabab Full-back Moteb Al-Harbi has an ankle knock and central defender Abdulelah Al-Amri is suspended. Other than that it should be the same, or a very similar, starting eleven to the one that played China.

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