Big expectations from Saudi team

This coming Saturday the GCC championship will start with big expectations from all the participants especially from the Saudis who believe that we need this championship more than anything. It will also be a good chance for Mr. Rijakaard to prove that his two years as the head coach of our national team has been effective. The players are also expected to play with more determination and willingness to win. I think that we must give it all we got and never underestimate this championship.
We had a week of preparation which is acceptable in my opinion, since its been proven that long camps and preparation is useless. In lieu of the league, Hilal is still running after Fateh after they lost the chance to beat them in the league. Hilal beat Najran last Friday to 3-1 and Ahli beat Shabab 1-0.
Ittihad had a draw with Nassr 1-1. It seems that either Hilal and Fateh will be the champion. As for Nassr, as I said before, the team is really doing well but without a very challenging match to boast of. Their last match with Ittihad, their equalizer goal was an offside goal, but due to the poor performance of the referee assistant the goal was credited to them.
Now, this league’s hold could be the last one for this season and the last chance for teams who had bad performances to make up.
Ittihad and Ahli are on the top of the list, while teams like Hilal and Shabab are also in need for this break and have a good come back. Hilal’s players are strong individually, but not so much as a team. I see some room for improvement in the coach department.

banderalahamad@yahoo.com