KAISERSLAUTERN, 25 June 2006 — Saudi Arabia came to the World Cup to erase the memories of its poor showing at the last tournament.
They at least did a little better this time.
The Saudis lost to Ukraine 4-0 and dropped another to Spain 1-0, but earned a point with a 2-2 draw against Tunisia in Group H. That was much better than its 8-0 loss to Germany in South Korea and Japan. For Saudi Arabia coach Marcos Paqueta, the future looks bright.
“The players have learned and they have improved. We do need more experience, and the players have benefited from being here, but they need more,” said Paqueta, who received the Saudi soccer federation’s support before the World Cup, when his contract was extended by two years.
“I have two more years, and I think we can improve. We’re already preparing for more competitions. That is very important,” he said.
Saudi soccer officials have said they will remove all obstacles and help players seeking to play soccer outside Saudi Arabia.
Of Saudi Arabia’s team, only Sami Al-Jaber has experienced international soccer, playing briefly for Wolves in 2000.
Paqueta wants to change that.
“We have to bring international football to the players. We have to lay down a truly professional structure, including more playing fields, physical training, all of it, to prepare the players properly,” Paqueta said.
Al-Jaber announced his retirement from international soccer after the defeat against Spain. Paqueta, who has been coaching Arab clubs since 2004, has seven Brazilians as members of his staff.
Ranked 34th by FIFA, Saudi Arabia finished first and unbeaten in its Asian qualifying group — ahead of 2002 semifinalist South Korea — with one goal conceded.
