Argentina win has not changed us: Saudi coach
Coach Herve Renard said Saudi Arabia’s shock win over Argentina at the World Cup will count for litle if they fail to get out of the group stage in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the greatest World Cup upsets as they came from behind to beat Argentina 2-1 in their opening game of the tournament.
At 51st in the world, Saudi Arabia are the second lowest ranked team at the finals, but the Green Falcons can qualify for the last 16 on Saturday with victory over Poland.
“The only good thing at the end of this stage is to finish number one or two, so whatever happens, the most important thing is to be qualified for the next round,” said Renard.
“At the moment we are concentrating and nothing changes. We are still the lowest team in the group in terms of FIFA ranking and experience.”
“Nothing changes in our mind. We know where we’re coming from and we’re keeping our humility. We know without that we won’t be able to play a very good game tomorrow.”
A video of Renard’s impassioned half-time team talk during the Argentina game was widely shared on social media, but he downplayed the effect it had on his players.
An animated Renard was seen pacing around the dressing room berating his side for not puting more pressure on Lionel Messi.
“It works this time, sometimes you do the same and it doesn’t work,” he said.
“I need to push my players. If I don’t like things then I need to tell them.”
He added: “When you compete with the best players in the world. Messi, Lautaro Martinez, (Angel) Di Maria in the first game, players are always motivated.”
The Saudis made the last 16 on their World Cup debut in 1994 but have not advanced to the knockout phase in their past four atempts.
“Ater this first game we have thought long and hard about how to go beyond this group stage,” said Saleh Al-shehri, who scored the equaliser against Argentina.
“But we still have two games to go and we’re not there yet.”
He added: “I think if anyone underestimates anyone else that’s a problem for them. We have confidence in ourselves and I think we can pull it off.”
LEWANDOWSKI TO KEEP TAKING POLAND PENALTIES DESPITE MEXICO MISS: Robert Lewandowski is still Poland’s penalty-taker despite missing in their World Cup opener and is primed to break his tournament duck, coach Czeslaw Michniewicz said on Friday.
The Barcelona predator has plundered 76 goals for his country, but none have come at a World Cup and he had a tame penalty saved in Poland’s 0-0 draw with Mexico on Tuesday.
That put pressure on Poland to beat Saudi Arabia -- who stunned Argentina 2-1 in the opening round of games -- on Saturday if they are to progress to the last 16 in Qatar.
“When it comes penalties, Robert is still number one,” said Michniewicz.
He added: “He feels ready to score for Poland.” Defender Jan Bednarek also backed Lewandowski to find the net, but said the 34-year-old striker would not be too concerned as long he was helping the team.
“Robert Lewandowski is our captain, he is a striker and wants to score as many goals as he can,” said the Aston Villa player.
“But for him the team is more important. He swallows his pride and really focuses on working as hard as he can, it isn’t important for him if he scores or not. “This is the best striker in the world,” Bednarek added.
“I hope tomorrow he will lead us to victory.”