Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammad Al Deayea announced that the team's 3-0 loss to Ireland on Tuesday marked the end of an extraordinarily long international career.

"This was my last match with the national team. I guess that 165 matches are enough, and I want to let younger goalkeepers have their chances," he said.

Al Deayea was very close to breaking the world record of international matches, which Mexican Claudio Suarez holds with 170.

"I would have loved to break that record, but it wasn't possible. I leave in peace because I gave a lot to the team during my whole career", he said.

Al Deayea is confident his country has adequate candidates to replace him between the sticks.

"In Saudi Arabia there are many good goalkeepers, such as Mohammad Al Khojal Babkr, Mabrouk Zaid or Mansour Al Najei."

The goalkeeper denied that the frustrating performance of Saudi Arabia in the World Cup forced him to take this decision.

"I had decided to end my international career before this World Cup. It has nothing to do with the three losses in Japan."

Saudi Arabia began the World Cup in disastrous fashion, as they were hammered 8-0 by Germany, and they then lost 1-0 to Cameroon before the final defeat by Ireland.