Playing at a World Cup for the sixth time, Saudi Arabia face an uphill task to get beyond the group stage at Qatar 2022. They undoubtedly head into Group C as the underdogs, joined by Argentina, Mexico and Poland – three countries with more tournament pedigree and better recent form than their Gulf state opponents.
It’s 28 years since the Green Falcons first qualified for a World Cup but their last-16 exit at USA 94 remains their best performance, as they advanced from a group containing Netherlands, Belgium and Morocco before going down 3-1 to Sweden in the first knockout match. Their famous 1-0 group victory over Belgium included one of the greatest World Cup goals in history as Saeed Al-Owairan picked the ball up deep in his own half and brilliantly beat four Belgian defenders before slotting home an incredible individual effort.
