WORLD CUP 2006
Saudi Arabia Tactics
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Saudi Arabia have traditionally played with a 4-4-2 system, and that is unlikely to change under Marcos Paqueta.
Veteran keeper Mohammed Al-Daeyea has returned to the starting line-up in recent months after a period out of the squad and is likely to get the nod ahead of Mabrouk Zaid, who has been the most regular starter over the past two years.
The back four should centre on the defensive strength of Asian Champions League winners Al Ittihad, with centre-back Hamad Al-Montashari marshalling affairs. Club-mate Ahmed Dukhi Al-Dosari looks set to be right-back; Al Hilal’s Abdulaziz Al-Khathran is a possibility for the other central position alongside Al-Montashari, though Al Ittihad’s Redha Tukar Fallatah is also a strong contender; and Al Ittihad’s Manaf Abushgeer could take the left-back spot, despite primarily being a winger.
In midfield, Paqueta is likely to find room for two players from his former club, Al Hilal. Nawaf Al-Temyat is likely to return to the playmaking role, with Mohammed Al-Shlhoub playing on the left flank. Al Ittihad’s Saud Al-Khariri should feature on the right, with club-mate Khamis Owairan Al-Dosari a possibility in the centre alongside Al-Temyat.
There is little debate about the front pairing. Sami Al-Jaber is almost certain to start, most likely playing in a slightly withdrawn role behind his Al Hilal club-mate Yasser Al-Qahtani. Talal Al-Meshal gives a greater physical presence up front but hasn’t got the mobility of Al-Qahtani.
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