Mohamed Al-Deayea

Mohamed Al-Deayea(محمد الدعيع) (born August 2, 1972 in Tabuk) is a Saudi Arabian football (soccer) goalkeeper. He is currently (as of early 2006) the world recordholder for most international appearances by a male player, 181, for Saudi Arabia.

Al-Daeyea was about to be signed for Manchester United in 2001 as a replacement for Fabien Barthez who Sir Alex Ferguson said made too many mistakes. Al-Deayea was another goalkeeper who would try to fill the boots of Peter Schmeichel but did not get a work permit so he stayed at Al-Hilal. The following year in 2002 FIFA World Cup he let in 8 goals in a group match against Germany. Al-Daeyea helped the Saudi Arabian national team reach the World Cup in 1994, 1998, and 2002. Al-Daeyea plays professionally for Al-Hilal.

The world's most capped international footballer whose inclusion in the Saudi Arabia squad in 2006 is seen as something of a surprise. Al Daeyea's international career looked to be over until Marcos Paqueta took over at the helm of the national squad at the end of 2005. Zaid remains the Saudi number one but Paqueta has decided to include Al Daeyea in his squad due to his immense international experience. In March the 33-year-old earned his 179th cap in a friendly defeat by Portugal but remains a strong and agile keeper who is regarded as an excellent shot-stopper. Germany will mark his fourth and final appearance in the World Cup finals although he is likely to be third choice.

Despite losing his place as his country's number one, Al Deayea will be a prominent member of Marcos Paqueta's squad as he possesses invaluable and extensive experience.

The 34-year-old has (along with the Mexican Antonio Carbajal) the record of goalkeeper that received most goals in the World Cup: 25. Although called-up for the 2006 World Cup squad, he did not break this mark in 2006 because he was the main reserve goalkeeper, with Mabrouk Zaid filling in this role, and did not enter in any of the three matches of his team.

"Since I started as a goalkeeper I was always inspired by Deayea. I have received a lot of helpful hints from him that have had a great impact on my career," said Zaid.

However, this will be his fourth World Cup outing after first appearing in the 1994 finals in America and Al Deayea provides a more than reliable choice for stand-in goalkeeper.

The Al Hilal shot-stopper has a long and glorious career with the national side and currently possesses the world record for the most international caps.

After making his national debut in 1990, in the Asian Games against Bangladesh, Al Deayea rose to prominence and made perhaps his most telling contribution in the 1996 Asian Cup as his penalty heroics won the title for his country.

However he had played just four times in over three years for the national side before former Al Hilal boss Paqueta restored him to the squad with Mabrouk Zaid injured.

Vastly popular in Saudi Arabia, there is a groundswell of support for Al Deayea to claim the number one jersey in Germany and after featuring extensively under the new national coach in a number of friendlies since January he may be granted a chance.

Possessing agility and an aptitude for shot stopping Al Deayea will be hoping to mark his fourth finals by appearing in Germany, but his presence on the bench would be reassuring for Paqueta's side.

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