World Cup Appearances
3 - 1994, 1998, 2002
Accomplishments:
-- Champion Asian Cup 1984, 1988, 1996
-- Runner-up Asian Cup 1992, 2000
-- Winner FIFA World Youth (U17) Championship 1989
Star Players:
Nawaf Al Temyat, Sami Al Jaber, Talal al-Meshal
Approximate Odds of Winning:
250-1
AskMen's Rating of Team:
(out of 100)
50
Significant Strength:
Offense. Having scored a leading 43 goals throughout the qualifying games, Saudi Arabia can "light up the score" -- proverbially speaking. Whether they can continue their torrid pace in the World Cup remains to be seen.
Significant Weakness:
Continuity. Ever since coach Eduardo Vingada led his squad to the Asian Cup title in 1996, there have been eight coaching changes. That is a huge amount for what many consider to be the Persian Gulf's top team.
AskMen's Prediction:
By process of elimination, Saudi Arabia will finish fourth in Group E, but if the scoring can keep up its pace, this club will cause some surprises.
SAUDI ARABIA
