Al Johar - promised his side will regain pride (Allsport)
SAUDI COACH OUT TO SPOIL IRISH PARTY
By PA Sport Staff
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Saudi Arabia coach Nasser Al Johar has promised his team will regain some lost
pride and spoil the Republic of Ireland's passage into the last 16.
After opening their campaign with an 8-0 humiliation by Germany, Al Johar's
men gave a vastly-improved performance in a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
But the 42-year-old coach believes they can end their World Cup with victory
against Ireland, who will be looking for the three points they need to book
their place in the second round.
"We will play as well as we did against Cameroon and return home with a
memorable result," said Al Johar.
"We apologise again wholeheartedly to the Saudi fans after our two defeats
and we promise them we will beat Ireland."
Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea believes the Ireland game on Tuesday will give
them another chance to show their true form.
"The real face of Saudi football was against Cameroon when the players
performed as they normally do," said the goalkeeper, who will win his 165th cap
against Mick McCarthy's men.
"The Irish game will not be easy, but we have no choice but to win so we
persuade people and especially the Saudi people that we can play at the highest
level."
The Saudis' hopes, however, have been hit by the news that strikers Sami Al
Jaber and Obeid Al Dossary have been ruled out.
Former Wolves forward Al Jaber, who will retire from international football
after the finals, had been shaking off an ankle injury only to be laid low with
appendicitis.
It is a sad end to Al Jaber's international career, having played 150 times
and scoring in the last two World Cups.
Prince Turkiy Bin Khaled, head of the Saudi delegation, said: "Al Jaber has
undergone an appendix operation and it is certain he will not take part in the
match.
"Al Dossary needs an operation on his left knee ligaments and is obviously
not fit to play against the Irish"
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