Saudis make Tyneside a ‘home from home’ despite two losses at PIF-owned venue

And if anyone was in any doubt about the connection between the little square of land in the North East of England and Saudi Arabia, they can't help but be convinced after seeing the home of Newcastle United turn green for the week.

Fans travelled from every corner of the UK, students and professionals alike, to turn out for the Green Eagles - and they more than made their presence known, despite two less than positive results.

Making up much of the crowd in both Friday's 3-1 loss to Costa Rica and the 1-0 reverse against South Korea, Saudi fans were a credit to a football stadium renowned the world wide for it's white hot atmosphere, even if the football didn't quite live up to expectations.

On the pitch, if there was a lesson to be learned for Mancini from their Tyneside jaunt, it really won't come as news to any regular watcher of the Saudi national team. While defensive frailty was evident, and a real weakness to high balls exploited by both Costa Rica and Korea, there can be no doubts the Saudis have a goalkeeper for the big occasion.

Mohammed Alowais proved at last year's World Cup finals, he's arguably the national team's most reliable player - and again swapping Qatar for colder climes in the North East of England, he again proved his worth.

If Mancini has taken anything from the double defeat, it has to be that Alowais must be protected.

Spirit and heart were also evident in abundance, even if quality, in key moments, was lacking a touch.

The two matches may well have resulted in two defeats, but neither game saw the Saudis outclassed. In fact, for large periods of the opening game, and the opening half against Jurgen Klinsmann's Korea, they dominated possession - and carved out openings.

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