Saudi women triumph in inaugural FIFA friendly soccer tournament

AL-KHOBAR: Saudi Arabia have been crowned champions of the first Women’s International Friendly Tournament after a 1-1 draw with Pakistan at the Prince Jalawi Stadium. The result meant the Green Falcons topped the final standings in the four-team, round-robin competition which ended on Thursday night. The consequences of the triumph are enormous.

Shortly after the victory, the team officially entered FIFA’s international rankings for the first time. Head coach Monika Staab said: “Winning this tournament is an important milestone in Saudi Arabian football and will give the players huge confidence as they progress their national team careers. “I am delighted with the players and how they performed over the past three games.

It provides a huge springboard for future success.” She said the victory would provide “inspiration for young girls across every corner of Saudi Arabia as well as the other talented young players in the Premier League who aspire to play international football.” Yasser bin Hassan Al-Mishal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, crowned the jubilant players champions. He was joined by Assistant Minister for Sports Affairs Adwaa bint Abdul Rahman Al-Arifi, Women’s Football Department Supervisor Lamia bin Bahian and Women’s Football Department Director Alia Al-Rasheed. Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal tweeted his congratulations and announced the Green Falcons’ international ranking after their success.