Saudi Arabia’s FIFA ranking adds extra motivation for South Korea friendly

Ali Lajami says Saudi Arabia’s position in the FIFA rankings will provide extra incentive when they face South Korea in a friendly in Doha on Friday.

The match is Saudi Arabia’s first of the current training camp in Qatar, as the side prepares for its upcoming commitments. They will also play Uzbekistan on Tuesday, 17 November.

“We focused during the camp on correcting the mistakes we made in the Gulf Cup,” Lajami told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat 24 hours before the match.

Saudi Arabia won the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, known as Gulf 27, after beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the final. It was their first title in 23 years.

Lajami said the two friendlies would be approached with the aim of improving the team’s international standing.

“We go into both matches looking to win and improve our FIFA ranking,” the defender said. “Facing South Korea and Uzbekistan gives us greater motivation to produce good performances, and we are looking to win both games.”

Saudi Arabia are ranked 55th in the world and fifth in Asia in the official FIFA standings. South Korea are 31st in the world.

Saudi Arabia have full squad available

Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis has a full squad available for the South Korea match after Firas Al-Braikan took part in full training for the first time during the current international break on Wednesday.

The Al-Ahli striker had missed the team’s first two training sessions because of a cold, raising doubts over whether he would be fit to play.

His return means Saudi Arabia have no absentees for the friendly. Lens right-back Saud Abdulhamid also joined in with training for the first time on Tuesday.

The team’s second match of the Doha camp will be against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, 17 November.

Donis dismisses departure reports

Donis has also rejected reports that he is set to leave his position as Saudi Arabia manager.

Saudi broadcaster MBC 1 presenter Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi had claimed that the Greek coach would depart with “99%” certainty. Donis responded by telling Saudi sports newspaper Al-Riyadiyah: “The rumours that are circulated from time to time about my professional future with the Saudi national team do not concern me.”

“What matters to me now is developing the Green Falcons and focusing on the work. I have the experience to deal with what is being said about my professional future, and I will give my best to serve Saudi football,” he added.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has also denied speculation that Donis could be dismissed, saying he would remain in his role in a statement carried by Saudi broadcaster Al Ekhbariya.

It was the second time the federation had denied reports of his departure, after issuing a similar denial in October.

Some reports had suggested the federation wanted to appoint former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to lead Saudi Arabia at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Those claims prompted concern because of the limited time before the tournament, although its postponement from January to December next year has since reopened debate over Donis’ future.