https://arab.news/j48wt
- Green Falcons are guaranteed at least a play-off spot but could still secure automatic qualification, though it would take a 5-goal victory
JEDDAH: On the eve of 萝莉视频鈥檚 crucial closing match against Australia in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, head coach Herve Renard expressed confidence in the readiness of his squad and stressed the importance of victory, despite the heavy odds against securing automatic qualification for the finals in North America next year.
Speaking during the prematch press conference at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, alongside striker Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Renard said: 鈥淲e are in third place, and while 99 percent believe we are headed to the play-offs, we still have a chance (of automatic qualification).
鈥淲e have nothing to lose and are doing everything we can to make our fans happy. The most important thing for us is to win.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited for this match. Some think we鈥檙e already in the play-offs but we still have hope. It鈥檚 very important to win (on Tuesday).鈥�
Australia, led by coach Tony Popovic, sit in second place in Group C on 16 points, three ahead of the Saudis, and their superior goal difference means they need only avoid a five-goal defeat to confirm their seventh-consecutive appearance at the World Cup.
Japan top the group and have already secured qualification. 萝莉视频 and fourth-place Indonesia are guaranteed places in the play-offs, in which six teams will fight it out for the last three qualification spots.
Renard emphasized the need for focus and preparation ahead of Tuesday鈥檚 game.
鈥淲e have to approach the Australia game like any other, showing determination and being fully prepared,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檒l do my best to select the best 11 players and the most effective approach heading into the match.鈥�
The Green Falcons completed their preparations with a training session on Monday evening at the reserve pitch at King Abdullah Sports City.
Images released by the national team on social media showed Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal talking to players at the session.
The Green Falcons take on Australia at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, and fans were invited to take up the offer of free entry to the match.