Saudi Arabian star Al Dawsari writes name in lights All the stars in the sky were aligned for us, says Renard
Doha, Qatar - Saudi Arabia’s Salem al Dawsari grabbed the world’s attention with his matchwinning wonder strike against Argentina on Tues-day but the winger has been a star in his home country for years.
The 31-year-old helped the Saudis to a stunning 2-1 victory over the twice world champions when he took out two defenders with a clever turn before rifling the ball into the net.
It was a typical piece of brilliance from a player who has long been known as one of
Asia’s best.
Al-dawsari has won two Asian Champions League titles with his Saudi club Al Hilal, and scored a crucial goal in the 2019 final to help them beat Japan’s Urawa Reds.
He was also named player of the tournament as Al Hilal lifted the trophy again in 2021.
He has over 70 caps for his country and scored in the 95th minute to give Saudi Arabia a 2-1 win over Egypt in their final group game at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Al Dawsari has served Al Hilal with distinction, but he also got a taste of European club football when he joined Villarreal on loan in 2018 as part of a deal between La Liga and Saudi football chiefs.
His goal against Argentina has now seared his name on the world’s consciousness.
‘Saudis very well prepared physically’
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insisted on Tuesday his team had not taken Saudi Arabia lightly ahead of their shocking 2-1 World Cup defeat in Qatar. Argentina came into the tournament on a 36-match unbeaten run and were one of the favourites to win the entire tournament, let alone Tuesday’s Group C opener against the Asian minnows.
“We fully respect Saudi Arabia as we do with other teams, that’s not the reason for our defeat,” said Scaloni, whose team had not lost since July 2019.
“They are a good team with technical players, they are very well prepared physically.”
Doha, Qatar - Saudi Arabia’s French coach Herve Renard warned his players not to celebrate for too long after their “totally crazy” 2-1 win against Argentina in their World Cup opener on Tuesday.
The Saudis bounced back from conceding an early Lionel Messi penalty to produce one of the great World Cup shocks thanks to a Saleh Al-shehri equaliser and a sublime Salem Al-dawsari winner at the Lusail Stadium.
“All the stars in the sky were aligned for us, but don’t forget Argentina are still a fantastic team,” said Renard.
“This is football, sometimes totally crazy things can happen,” added the French coach, who previously led Zambia and the Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations glory.
As for enjoying the moment, Renard was eager to look ahead to the Saudis’ next Group C matches against Poland and Mexico.
“(We can) just have a good celebration during 20 minutes and that’s all, there are still two more games.
“When you come to the World Cup, you need to believe in yourself, anything can happen in football.”
However, Renard said he was not entirely happy with his team, despite the stunning upset.
“Tactically we were not good in the first half. Our block was compact but our pressure on the centrebacks and (defensive midfield-er) Leandro Paredes was not enough,” said the 54-year-old.
“If we had conceded a second goal at that time, the game would have been finished.
“During half-time I wasn’t happy because the pressure wasn’t good enough, the determination wasn’t good enough and when you come to the World Cup, you need to give everything. We can’t play as we did in the first half.”
And Renard said it would have been no surprise if Argentina had taken his side lightly.
“Sometimes the opposition does not have the best motivation, it’s normal, it also happened to us when playing lower teams.”