Saudi Arabia coach: Playing against China is very difficult

Coach Herve Renard expressed concern before the match against China - Photo: AFP

Saudi Arabia will face China at 1:15 a.m. on March 21 in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia.

Currently after 6 rounds, both have 6 points but Saudi Arabia is ranked 4th compared to China's 6th because of better goal difference.

Welcoming China at home, the West Asian representative is determined to win all 3 points to return to the race for the 2026 World Cup. However, the Chinese team is not an "easy" opponent.

The "billion-people country" team just had two important victories against Indonesia and Bahrain to keep their hopes of winning a ticket to the next round alive.

Speaking at a press conference before the match, Saudi Arabia's head coach Herve Renard was very cautious and highly appreciated the Chinese team.

The Chinese team has the same number of points as Saudi Arabia - Photo: AFP

"Tomorrow will be a difficult match, the Chinese team is well organized. They have the strength to switch from defense to attack very quickly. This will be an extremely difficult match. Therefore, we are preparing carefully for the match against them."

Talking about the changes in the squad, coach Renard revealed that after the team's disappointing performance at the Gulf Cup last December, he will boldly use many new faces to create competition and a new breeze for the team.

Meanwhile, midfielder Al-Ghamdi expressed optimism: "The new players are a good addition to the team. We have participated in some training sessions together and the atmosphere is very good. We will take all 3 points against China."

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THANH DINH