How will Saudi Arabia fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SamRCox_ as he looks at the Green Falcons in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...
Saudi Arabia History at the World Cup
The Saudi national side first came into being during the 1950s though it was anther three decades before they played to a competitive standard, entering the AFC Asian Cup in 1984.
Ten years later, the Green Falcons qualified for their inaugural World Cup and what an impact they made, delighting all with their adventure and ultimately progressing beyond Group F courtesy of wins over Morocco and highly-fancied Belgium.
Even against group favourites Holland, they so nearly upset all sports betting logic, taking the lead before gravity took hold in the second half.
Sweden comfortably beat them in the last 16 but the players still returned as heroes, having enamoured a watching world.
Let's talk about six baby 🎶
— 433 (@433) March 24, 2022
Saudi Arabia qualify for their sixth World Cup 🟢🟢 pic.twitter.com/lrKWZGU0xt
That team featured Sami Al-Jaber, arguably the kingdom’s finest ever talent, while Saeed Al-Owairan etched a permanent place in the history books by scoring a simply unforgettable goal.
With Belgium on the attack, the midfielder gained possession in his own half and just kept on running.
A further four World Cups have followed though a regression has occurred since their Nineties zenith with just a solitary win from 12 matches casting them as tournament minnows.
That victory however, was impressively against Mo Salah’s Egypt four years ago. Could a revival of sorts be on the cards this winter?
Saudi Arabia Nickname
The national side are known as the ‘Green Man’ but more commonly as the ‘Green Falcons’, a nickname that referencing both the colour of their national flag and a bird that is culturally prized.
Falconry is a traditional and popular sport in Saudi Arabia with origins that go back centuries.
World Cup 2022 Group
As the lowest ranked team in Qatar – save for the hosts themselves – Saudi Arabia were always going to be up against it, regardless of how their group shaped up.
As it was and is, Argentina are a tremendously difficult opening challenge, as reflected in the South American giant’s 2/13 odds to prevail. Ninth-ranked Mexico and a Lewandowski-led Poland are hardly pushovers either.
Than again, neither were Morocco and Belgium back in the day.
Saudi Arabia Fixtures:
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Saudi Arabia vs Argentina - 22nd November 2022
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Saudi Arabia vs Poland - 26th November 2022
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Saudi Arabia vs Mexico - 30th November 2022
Saudi Arabia Kit World Cup 2022
At first glance, Nike have scored a big win with Saudi’s home number. Classy and under-stated, with leaf patterns inlaid into the fabric. Lovely.
Saudi Arabia might have the most underrated World Cup kits IMO pic.twitter.com/Tx3NHF6KfN
— Jake Barford (@BFordLancer48) September 16, 2022
Only then you notice that the collar and famous Nike swoosh is a different green to the badge and nothing makes sense anymore. The away jersey is busy and daring, no doubt splitting opinion as its designed to.
Who Is The Saudi Arabia Manager?
Former Morocco coach Herve Renard has reinvigorated the national side since taking the reins in 2019, making them tactically flexible and implementing a pressing philosophy from front to back.
Indeed, so well has the Frenchman fared he has reportedly been offered a contract extension to 2027.
It’s interesting to note that soon after that Saudi Arabia could be a co-host of the World Cup, with a bid apparently in the pipeline.
Best Saudi Arabia Player
Though full-back Sultan Al-Ghannam is their highest valued player, by some distance their most important and best talent is Al-Hilal winger Salem Al-Dawsari, a technically-sublime wideman with the ability to carve something from nothing.
The 31-year-old has scored 17 goals in 66 appearances for his country.
Destroyed 💀 @dawriplusksa @salem_d29 pic.twitter.com/OkcwuswTpQ
— 433 (@433) March 30, 2019
Saudi Arabia Odds at 2022 World Cup
Unless you place great stock in miracles any World Cup bets backing the Saudis against Argentina should be given a wide berth.
It’s their second test, taking on an unremarkable Poland, that intrigues with 18/5 a tempting price for a team who will view any victory in their group as a successful tournament.
Bet on Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!
