The Green Falcons are heading into the match on the back of a goalless draw against Ecuador on Friday, while USA suffered a 2-0 defeat to Japan on the same day.
Two World Cup bound teams Saudi Arabia and USA will face each other in an international friendly at the Estadio Nueva Condomina in Spain on Tuesday. Both sides are heading into the match on the back of disappointing results this past weekend. The Green Falcons were held to a goalless draw by Ecuador, while USA suffered a 2-0 defeat to Japan. Saudi Arabia qualified for the global event in Qatar in two months time, courtesy of securing a top spot finish in their qualifying group, while the North AMerican outfit finished third in the CONCACAF qualifying table.
Our final tune-up comes against Saudi Arabia. #USMNT x @BioSteelSports
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) September 25, 2022
Saudi Arabia are winless in their last three games, all of them were friendlies. The Greens’ last victory came against Australia in their final match of the World Cup qualifier on March 29 courtesy of Salem Al-Dawsari’s lone goal from the penalty spot in the 65th-minute. After that, Herve Renard’s side lost to Colombia and Venezuela with a 1-0 scoreline before playing out a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Friday. The Saudi’s have failed to score in their last three outings, which is a cause of worry for the French tactician.
USA, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat in their last five games across all competitions on Friday. The North American outfit conceded two times against Japan at Merkur Spiel Arena. Diachi Kamara drew the first blood in the 24th-minute, before Kaoru Mitoma doubled the lead two minutes from time to seal the win for the Samurai Blue. Meanwhile, it was a poor performance from the Stars as they failed to register even a single shot on target compared to eight by Japan. Head coach Gregg Berhalter has just a few days to fix the problems that plagued them against Japan.
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Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais had a busy night against Ecuador, stopping six efforts on goal and the 30-year-old is likely to continue in goal, with Al-amri and Al-Bulaihi in front of him at the heart of the defence. As for the USA, forward Christian Pulisic missed the game against Japan because of a knock he picked up in the training and is likely to be rested for Tuesday’s game. Norwich City striker Josh Sargent is expected to spearhead the attack with Aaron son and Reyna in support.
Saudi Arabia probable starting lineup: Al-Owais, Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Al-Bulaihi, Al-Ghanam, Al-Hassan, Al-Faraj, Al-Abed, Asiri, Al-Buraikan, S. Al-Dawsari
USA probable starting lineup: Johnson, Vines, McKenzie, Zimmerman, Dest, McKennie, Adams, de la Torre, Aaronsson, Sargent, Reyna
The international friendly match between Saudi Arabia and USA will take place at Estadio Nueva Condomina Tuesday at 11:30 pm IST.
Saudi Arabia vs USA | Key details |
Date | September 27 |
Venue | Estadio Nueva Condomina, Spain |
Kickoff time in Spain | 8:00 pm |
Kickoff time in Saudi Arabia | 9:00 pm |
Kickoff time in USA | 2:00 pm |
For the football fans in the USA, the live telecast of the match will be available on TUDN network and Fox Sports network and Univision Now.