Not a happy Eid for the Saudis

MOSCOW: Around the time Russia humiliated Saudi Arabia in the opening match on Thursday evening, fans back home sighted the moon on the 29th day of the holy Ramadan month.

The new moon ended the rigorous fasting month with a new hope and beginning, but the Saudis may have spent a sleepless night following their 5-0 drubbing by the hosts at the Luzinhki Stadium.

The Green Falcons, like most other Arab teams, are mere pushovers at the football’s grand stage. Nobody expected a big win for the Saudis. A draw would’ve been a fare result for the country, where football is yet to be a part of culture.

Saudis may be the most passionate football-lovers, but it’s mostly confined to their domestic competitions where one can expect a fierce rivalry between their top clubs – Al Ahli and Al Hilal.

The league was professionalised only very recently, with their players being paid huge chunks of riyals as their wages. It’s not that they lack quality players, but they don’t move out of their plush lifestyles in Riyadh or Jeddah.

Players from South Korea, Iran and Japan ply their trade in the European leagues. But we’ve never heard of a Saudi footballer joined any lower-ranked English or Spanish clubs.

One of their legends and star in their maiden World Cup campaign in 1994, Sami Al Jaber was once loaned to Wolverhampton.

Had more players joined some European leagues, the motivation would’ve been boosted and skills polished under the experienced European coaches.

The Arabs, in fact, the Saudis, need to change their mentality. Don’t just flaunt top European brands, but do try and play the sport with or against the best teams and players.  

And, there is a piece of advice for their country’s football federation -- shed that arrogance and intolerance.

Sacking coaches is something that most Middle-East nations love to do, but Saudi Arabia is more ruthless than others.

On a football field, you’re a worker. It doesn’t matter which car you drive – Land Cruiser or Range Rover – the coach is your boss.

Give him time and respect his work. But the logic doesn’t work in the Arab world, more precisely in the region’s largest country.

Dutchman Bert van Marwijk led them through the most recent qualification campaign. He stepped down after negotiations failed on a new contract. His successor Edgardo Bauza was also fired just two months in the job after in November after unimpressive performances in five friendlies.

The Argentine was replaced by Juan Antonio Pizzi, who has led his own country to the 2016 Copa America final but it won’t be a surprise if the Chilean board the next flight to Santiago during the tournament.

The defeat has hurt Saudis’ pride badly while their infamous arrogance was cut into pieces on a football pitch.

It was a lesson that they learn quickly – money won’t buy you everything.