GROUP E / SAUDI ARABIA

*--* World Cup record: Played seven (2-4-1); goals for: seven; goals against: 13 Best finish: Second round in 1994 1998 showing: Eliminated in first round Coach: Nasser Al-Johar. This is Al-Johar’s second stint as Saudi Arabia’s coach, returning to the team in 2001 just in time to salvage a struggling qualification campaign. In so doing, Saudi Arabia became the first Gulf nation to reach three consecutive World Cups Players to watch: Obedi Al-Dossary, Nawaf Al-Temyat, Talal Al-Meshal In brief: Saudi Arabia surprised in 1994, reaching the second round, and disappointed in 1998, going three games and out. Temyat was voted 2001 Asian midfielder of the year, but the talent around him is too lean to advance in this group Quick quote: “I hope the players stay fit and perform in a way that portrays our football in its best light.”--Al-Johar Forecast: Last in this demanding group

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