Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
What are the green men waiting for?
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis of Greece is finalizing his Greens squad ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H opener against Uruguay, but some positions remain a big question mark in the coaching staff hours before kick-off.
Although Donis has settled on most of the starting line-up, there are still differences in three key positions that could have an immediate impact on how the team looks and plays against one of South America’s strongest teams.
Right wing fight
The right wing position is one of the most prominent positions occupied by the technical staff, as Sultan Mandash’s name stands out as one of the highly recommended options to enter the starting line-up.
The player has good offensive capabilities and speed in transitions, which can give the Saudi Arabian team additional solutions in counterattacks, especially against a team that will control the ball for a long time.
Read also… Saudi journalist. Bouadi is replaced by Barcelona and Morocco will win the World Cup
{“type”:”power-rankings-carousel”,”data”:{}}
However, Donis carefully scrutinizes the selection’s suitability to the expected match scenario, taking into account the need to strike a balance between defensive responsibilities and offensive support for the sides.
Here, the name of Muhammad Abu Al-Shamat stands out, who has recently been able to provide remarkable levels and convince the technical staff due to his ability to play in more than one position.
Left back. attack or caution?
As for the left front, it seems more complicated, as the Greek coach has to choose between more than one option, each of which differs in technical characteristics.
Mutaib Al-Harbi is seen as the most attacking option due to his speed and ability to get forward and create chances, but at the same time he can leave spaces in behind which the Uruguayan’s superior players can exploit in quick transitions.
Read also… The ex-spokesman of “Al-Nasr” blows it up. Jesus is on the verge of union.
On the other hand, options like Hasan Kadesh or Nawaf Bushel seem to lean more towards defensive discipline, which could prompt Donis to sacrifice some offensive firepower in exchange for securing the left front from the opposition threat.
The Battle of the Base
The third dilemma is the focal point as the coaching staff explores the identity of the player who can lead the midfield and counter the sheer physicality of the Uruguayan players.
Abdullah Al-Khaibari stands out as an option that gives the team defensive solidity and a great deal of experience stealing balls and breaking up attacks, while Nasser Al-Dossari has more opportunities to move between the lines and provide offensive support.
Alaa Al Haji also remains in the reckoning, especially given his ability to play more than one role in the central area, giving the technical staff additional tactical flexibility depending on the flow of the game.
Given the strength of the Uruguayan national team and the variety of attacking weapons, Dennis realizes that solving these three problems could be the key to the entire match, as it is not just a matter of selecting the best players, but the combination that can provide a balance between defense and attack in one of the most complex “green” matches in recent years.
