Group A Thread - Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Egypt.

[cfc83]

That's obviously a bad recent history at the World Cup, but let's not forget that Iran to this date has only one victory (against a poor USA side in '98) through its 4 appearances on the global stage. And if they fail to get out of the Group stages again this time, at their 5th World Cup appearance, they will continue to be the only Asian side at this tournament that hasn't done so. Korea, Japan, Australia and yes even Saudi Arabia have all advanced to the next round in their histories.

I agree, we can't really say too much to others until we actually start winning games and getting out of the group ourselves. I love our team but people hype us up way too much here. You can consider me to be a "cautiously optimistic" or "realistic" team melli fan. For some reason that makes us """""traitors""""" in some eyes over here lmao... but whatever. I will always love and support my team, even if I don't drink the koolaid like I'm "supposed to".

Having said that, there's no problem saying how absolutely shit SA have been since '94. The goal differential is shameful, at least Iran doesn't have it that bad. SA basically ruined the pride of AFC with this game in front of hundreds of millions of eyes.

[Ali Doust]

If anyone can find the highlights of the game in Arabic please post.

[Sam van Dam]

If anyone can find the highlights of the game in Arabic please post.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CInv6IS-mtg

they're all over youtube

i even found one on twitter from a fans point of view. it was group of saudis behind the goalie on the 5th goal. they were celebrating the goal

[OFFSIDE_1]

Stupid move by the saudis to put their strategy out there one week before the WC for the whole world to see. Of course when you pick a tough opponent just so you windowdress your preparation, that’s what you get.
Germany on the other hand, picked KSA just so their players could loosen up their muscles :-).

[KC McElroy]

We were in the final 16 in the World Cup long before the 8-0ers.

[beevee]

Russia has now set the standard for sheikhdom of saudi arabia in that group! Other teams might be forced to do the same to keep their goal average!

Physically Saudis were shocking and couldn't keep up with a solid Russian team. Understandably they were intimated by the home crowd and also didn't have the AFC (Arab football confederation) referee on their side.

Although it's too early to judge and they still have a chance against Egypt or a miraculous draw against Uruguay, I guess some of that money they spent to send their players to la liga has gone down the drain.

They might have been better off playing in their domestic league! Also it was so dumb to fire their dutch coach and get this guy who was laughing in the post-match press conference.

OMG that's so clever AFC "Arab Football Federation" Love it great job.

[Adesor Vafaseya]

We were in the final 16 in the World Cup long before the 8-0ers.

1978, where only 16 teams could qualify to world cup and only ONE from Asia and Oceanea combined!
Saudi Arabia was at that time a third or second tier team in Asia at most!

[beevee]

That's obviously a bad recent history at the World Cup, but let's not forget that Iran to this date has only one victory (against a poor USA side in '98) through its 4 appearances on the global stage. And if they fail to get out of the Group stages again this time, at their 5th World Cup appearance, they will continue to be the only Asian side at this tournament that hasn't done so. Korea, Japan, Australia and yes even Saudi Arabia have all advanced to the next round in their histories.

Hmmm? Ok, no comment I do NOT want to sound anti anything or racist but please if you have to defend anyone DO NOT defend the enemies of my nation. thanks

[KC McElroy]

1978, where only 16 teams could qualify to world cup and onle ONE from Asian and Oceanea combined!
Saudi Arabia was at that time a third or second tier in Aisa team at most!

Furthermore we demolished the 8-0ers in qualification that year 5-0 on aggregate.

[leviathan]

Saudis were outmatched, and their defence ineffective, but their goal keeper sucked more then any of them. They are a disgrace to the continent and to others who qualified.

[OFFSIDE_1]

1978, where only 16 teams could qualify to world cup and onle ONE from Asian and Oceanea combined!
Saudi Arabia was at that time a third or second tier in Aisa team at most!

in fact, the Saudis didn't have grass field. They had artificial turf. When TM played them, they had to find special cleats for their field

[shahin2000]

You see, you see. This is why Asian teams get no respect I mean this was the worst display of football I have seen in so long. And Russia is by no stretch of imagination a power house. People watched this game all around the world and think to themselves how did this group of non athlete no skill no strategy piece of crap team even qualified to the WC. But what they fail to realize is that the freaking kings and princes of darkness control the confederation. I am so happy to see these low rent POSs get abused by a weak Russian team.

Asia at the most should get 2 spots and that is it.

[Adesor Vafaseya]

Saudis were outmatched, and their defence ineffective, but their goal keeper sucked more then any of them. They are a disgrace to the continent and to others who qualified.

statistics Saudi Arabia had no, ZERO, shots on target during whole 90 mins plus extra time!

[YeCheesi Tala]

Well...they can still come out of this world cup with a new set record...just need to loss 10-0 to either Uruguay or Egypt
...Asia setting all kinds of records.

[TM4LIFE]

Asia at the most should get 2 spots and that is it.

I think 4 guaranteed slots is fine, generally the main Asian powerhouses (Iran, Korea, Japan, Australia) always put up a respectable display at the World Cup.