JEDDAH, 14 March 2005 — Saudi Arabia play Egypt in a friendly today in Dammam ahead of crucial matches in the World Cup Asian zone qualifiers.
After the Egypt match, the Kingdom will be up against Finland on Friday in another tune-up match before they face the real test against South Korea and Kuwait on March 25 and March 30, respectively.
Saudi national soccer team coach Gabriel Calderon said it is important to win against Korea given that the 2002 World Cup hosts are one of the strongest sides in the group.
Kuwait are another dangerous team, but the job is half done if the Saudis hurdle both Korea and Kuwait, according to Calderon.
Team captain Sami Al-Jaber expressed optimism that they will be in top shape for the two key World Cup matches.
Korea currently lead Group A with three points while Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan each have a point after drawing their match 1-1 last month.
Meanwhile, Prince Nawaf, deputy president of Saudi Football Federation, held a meeting with the heads of Saudi Premier League and First Division clubs on Saturday night in Riyadh.
The meeting discussed many issues that concern the federation, especially issues that are related to the national team and their three divisions. A number of decisions and solutions were made, which will ensure the improvement of the national team’s result. The meeting also focused on the professional situation of the players and to apply the concept of professionalism, like a morning training session for all players.
The prince emphasized the importance of the fitness of players in the national team.
