Saudi Arabia national football team

The Saudi Arabia national football team () (known by its fans as al-Sogour which means "The Falcons" or al-Akhdar which means "The Green") is the national team of Saudi Arabia and is controlled by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation. It is one of Asia's most successful national teams. They are regarded as a newcomer on the world scene, having made their first World Cup in 1994. They have qualified for every World Cup since then.

In 1994, they upset Belgium at the group stage before falling to Sweden in the next round. The side were dismissed in the first round of the next three Cup tournaments, including an 8-0 defeat by Germany in 2002.

Saudi Arabia won the Asian Cup three times, in 1984, 1988, and 1996. They won the World Under-16 Championship in 1989.

On June 8, 2005, they qualified for their fourth World Cup by beating Uzbekistan 3-0 in Riyadh.

Mohamed Al-Deayea, the team's goalkeeper, is the world recordholder for most international appearances by a male player.

World Cup record

1930 to 1974 - Did not enter
1978 to 1990 - Did not qualify
1994 - Round 2
1998 - Round 1
2002 - Round 1
2006 - Round 1

FIFA U-17 World Championship

1985 - Round 2
1987 - Round 1
1989 - Champions

Asian Cup record

1956 to 1972 - Did not enter
1976 - Withdrew
1980 - Did not enter
1984 - Champions
1988 - Champions
1992 - Second place
1996 - Champions
2000 - Second place
2004 - Round 1

Famous players

2006 World Cup Squad

Mohammad Al-Anbar was originally announced as a member of the squad but was injured on 13 June, 2006 during a training session on the eve of their opening match. He was replaced by Mohamed Al-Bishi.

Italy and Saudi Arabia were the only countries to submit squad lists for the 2006 World Cup comprised entirely of players contracted to clubs in their own country.

2006 World Cup Information

Saudi Arabia managed to draw their opening game against Tunisia. They conceded the lead at half time after Ziad Jaziri volleyed in a mislaid header, but Tunisia didn't start well in the second half and Saudi Arabia equalised from Yasser Al-Qahtani. Substitute Sami Al-Jaber came on and scored with 4 minutes to go to put the Saudis 2-1 up, but in added time Bolton defender Radhi Jaidi headed in an equaliser for Tunisia. Saudi Arabia then lost 4-0 to Ukraine in Hamburg, with goals from Andriy Rusol, Serhiy Rebrov, Andriy Shevchenko and Maksym Kalynychenko.

Their third group game played against Spain ended with a 1-0 defeat, with Juanito's header ending the Saudi's term at World Cup 2006.

External links

Asian national football teams | Football in Saudi Arabia