Latest news with #AbdulrahmanAlAboud
Arab News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia
JEDDAH: On the eve of Saudi Arabia's 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. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Speaking during the prematch press conference at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, alongside striker Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Renard said: 'We are in third place, and while 99 percent believe we are headed to the play-offs, we still have a chance (of automatic qualification). 'We have nothing to lose and are doing everything we can to make our fans happy. The most important thing for us is to win. 'We're excited for this match. Some think we're already in the play-offs but we still have hope. It's very important to win (on Tuesday).' 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. Saudi Arabia 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's game. 'We have to approach the Australia game like any other, showing determination and being fully prepared,' he said. 'I'll do my best to select the best 11 players and the most effective approach heading into the match.' 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.
Asharq Al-Awsat
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Defeats Bahrain 2-0 in 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers
The Saudi national football team defeated Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday in the ninth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Green Falcons asserted their dominance early in the match, with Musab Al-Juwair opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Abdulrahman Al-Aboud added a second goal in the 77th minute, securing a valuable three points for the national team in their journey toward World Cup qualification. Saudi fans packed the stands of the Bahrain National Stadium and provided continuous support throughout the game, boosting the team's morale and fueling their determination to win. The national team will continue its training program in Jeddah in preparation for a highly anticipated clash against Australia in the upcoming round of the Asian qualifiers.
Arab News
01-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi national team steps up preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier
RIYADH: The Saudi national football team resumed training on Sunday evening as preparations intensify for Thursday's crucial clash against Bahrain in the ninth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard, the session at Ettifaq Club Stadium featured warm-ups, possession drills, tactical exercises, and stretching routines. Several players were sidelined due to injuries, including Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, and Jihad Zekr, who was injured during the recent King's Cup final, as well as Muhannad Al-Saad, who was hurt in a previous friendly. Mohamed Bakr continued his rehabilitation program, while Muteb Al-Harbi began recovery work with the medical team. Defender Abdulelah Al-Amri took part in recovery drills only. The team will hold a closed training session on Monday evening as preparations continue.
Arab News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
SPL announces Best Saudi Player nominations
RIYADH: The Roshn Saudi League has announced the preliminary list of nominees for the Best Saudi Player award in the current season. The list, published Monday on the league's official account on platform X, @SPL_EN, features Al-Ittihad winger Abdulrahman Al-Aboud—representing the reigning champions—alongside Al-Hilal's Salem Al-Dawsari, Al-Shabab midfielder Musab Al-Juwair, Al-Khaleej striker Abdullah Al-Salem, and Al-Qadisiyah winger Turki Al-Ammar. These five players fulfilled the nomination criteria announced by the league on May 5. To be eligible, a player must have participated in at least 40 percent of their team's total league matches, regardless of position or age. The award is also open to players born in Saudi Arabia, in addition to Saudi nationals. Al-Aboud appeared in 27 matches, scoring 7 goals and providing 7 assists, playing a key role in Al-Ittihad clinching the title with two rounds to spare. Al-Dawsari featured in 30 matches, recording 15 goals and 14 assists. Al-Ammar took part in 29 games, contributing 4 goals and 6 assists. Al-Juwair, on loan at Al-Shabab from Al-Hilal, was involved in 14 goals—scoring 5 and assisting 9. Al-Salem also contributed to 14 goals, with 10 goals and 4 assists. The nominees were selected by the league's technical committee, comprising Turki Al-Sultan, Sultan Al-Luhaiani, Khaled Al-Shanif, Manaf Abu Shaqeer, and Obaidullah Al-Eisi. The list will be narrowed down to three finalists. The winner will be determined through a voting process divided as follows: 40 percent from coaches, 40 percent from team captains, 15 percent from sports media professionals, and 5 percent from fans.
Saudi Gazette
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Karim Benzema's last-gasp winner sends Al Ittihad to the top of Roshn Saudi League
Saudi Gazette report BURAIDAH — Karim Benzema struck deep into stoppage time on Thursday night, securing Al Ittihad a dramatic 2-1 victory over Al Taawoun and propelling the defending champions back to the Roshn Saudi League taking the lead midway through the first half, Al Ittihad were made to work hard for the in-form Abdulrahman Al Aboud capitalized on a rebound to score his fourth goal in five RSL matches, giving the visitors an early Al Taawoun responded just before halftime. In the 10th minute of added time, Faycal Fajr's corner found Musa Barrow unmarked at the far post, and the Gambian forward's low volley deflected off Danilo Pereira, leveling the into Matchweek 19, Al Ittihad were behind Al Hilal only on goal difference and pushed hard in the second half to reclaim the a VAR intervention ruled out a goal, and the Al Taawoun woodwork denied them another, leaving the match seemingly destined for a in the 95th minute, Houssem Aouar delivered a perfect slide pass to Benzema, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Abdulquddus Atiah with his left Ittihad captain's 14th goal of the season moves him just one behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the league's top scorers' goal sparked wild celebrations among Laurent Blanc's squad, as the victory put them three points clear at the top of the table. However, Al Hilal can reclaim the summit if they secure a win against Damac on the match, Aouar acknowledged the tough challenge from Al Taawoun but emphasized his team's resilience and fighting spirit."We did good at the end of the game, and I hope we can do better, but we are happy guys. We're fighting until the end... the mentality is to never give up. And I think, in this team, we never give up with big players. We have big players, and they know that we can go until the end." Al Ittihad now turn their attention to their next league fixture, aiming to maintain their title charge as the Roshn Saudi League race intensifies.
