Latest news with #GreenFalcons
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia exit Gold Cup after quarterfinal defeat to Mexico
Saudi Gazette report WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia's historic run at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup came to an end in the quarterfinals following a 2-0 loss to Mexico on Saturday evening. Participating as a special invitee, the Green Falcons advanced from the group stage but were unable to progress further after a tough contest marked by heavy physical play and controversial officiating. The match, played in the United States, saw Mexican players commit repeated hard fouls, with referee Lukasz Szpala opting not to show yellow or red cards despite several intense challenges. The absence of VAR intervention further fueled frustration on the Saudi bench. After a goalless first half, Alexis Vega broke the deadlock in the 49th doubled their lead through an own goal by Saudi defender Abdullah Madu in the 81st minute, sealing the the victory, Mexico booked a semifinal clash against Honduras, who advanced after defeating Panama 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia odds, prediction: Gold Cup picks, best bets Saturday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. We know exactly what Hervé Renard wants Saudi Arabia to do against Mexico. Renard has been on the international soccer scene for two decades, and his teams always play the same way: They sit deep, defend and try to counterattack. That's exactly what to expect from Saudi Arabia against Mexico in the Gold Cup quarterfinals Saturday night at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix. Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia betting prediction Mexico topped Group A in the Gold Cup, but they didn't exactly turn anybody's heads in the process. El Tri defeated Suriname, 2-0, but they were pushed to the brink in a 3-2 win over the Dominican Republic before finishing off the group stage with a nil-nil draw against Costa Rica. Things always get weird in CONCACAF tournaments, but the group stage should have been a lot simpler for Mexico. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, did exactly what you expected in Group D. Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard on the sidelines. Matt Aguirre-Imagn Images The Green Falcons played three low-event matches and went 1-1-1 to finish second in set behind the United States. No team scored more than two goals in any of Saudi Arabia's three matches, and they only held two of their three opponents (including Team USA) to under 1.2 expected goals. Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia pick In a vacuum, Mexico looks like an easy winner in this match. They've got a lot more talent than the Green Falcons and should have a huge home-field advantage in Arizona. But when you take a step back and consider the form of these two teams and the stylistic matchup, the margins become a lot slimmer. Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps Saudi Arabia will sit deep and force Mexico to break them down, which could prove a frustrating endeavor. The United States was only able to muster five shots against Renard's side, and I'd imagine that Mexico will be held to a similar quantity. Saudi Arabia is worth a bet in this one. The Play: Saudi Arabia to advance (+350, DraftKings) Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi women's national team arrive in Cambodia for historic AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers debut
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Arabian women's national football team arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Thursday ahead of their historic debut in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, marking the team's first-ever official participation in the continent's flagship competition. The Green Falcons will open their Group B campaign on Sunday, June 29, against the Philippines, with further group matches scheduled against Hong Kong on July 2 and hosts Cambodia on July 5. This milestone appearance follows a 10-day preparatory camp in Bangkok, Thailand, under head coach Lluis Cortés, during which the squad underwent intensive training focused on tactical, physical, and technical development in a high-performance environment. Cortés selected a final squad of 23 players for the qualifiers: Sara Khalid, Muna Abdulrahman, Laila Ali, Raghad Mukhayzin, Layan Johari, Nouf Saud, Hala Khashoggi, Farida Ashraf, Shorouq Al-Hawsawi, Bayan Sadaqa, Lana Abdulrazzaq, Sara Al-Hamad, Maryam Al-Tamimi, Basmah Nawaf, Moudhi Abdulmohsen, Maram Al-Yahya, Saba Tawfiq, Ameera Abu Al-Samah, Fadwa Khaled, Fatimah Mansour, Albandari Mubarak, Safa Qaddour, and Shaimaa Mahmoud. Commenting on the historic moment, Alia Al-Rasheed, Head of the Women's Football Department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), said: 'This is a defining chapter in our football journey. The team's debut in the Asian Cup qualifiers is a powerful step forward for the women's game in the Kingdom. It reflects our strategic ambition to compete at the highest levels regionally and globally.'
Arab News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Green Falcons arrive in San Diego ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal clash with Mexico
SAN DIEGO: The Saudi Arabian national football team touched down in San Diego on Tuesday morning as they prepare for their high-stakes CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal showdown against Mexico on Saturday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Green Falcons arrived from Las Vegas following their progression from the group stage in a debut Gold Cup campaign that has seen them reach the knockout rounds at the first time of asking. Herve Renard's side finished second in Group D behind hosts the US, having secured crucial results including a pivotal draw against Trinidad and Tobago over the weekend. The upcoming clash with Group A winners Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is expected to draw a large crowd. Upon arrival in San Diego, Renard gave his players a rest day, allowing the squad time to relax and explore the coastal Californian city. The team is scheduled to reconvene at their training base later on Tuesday evening. Preparations for the quarterfinal will intensify on Wednesday, with a closed training session planned for 6:00 p.m. local time. Saudi Arabia, invited as a guest nation for this edition of the Gold Cup, now seek to upset nine-time champions Mexico in their pursuit of an unprecedented semifinal berth.
Arab News
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia conclude preparations ahead of decisive Gold Cup clash with Trinidad and Tobago
LAS VEGAS: Saudi Arabia's national football team have completed final preparations ahead of their crucial CONCACAF Gold Cup clash with Trinidad and Tobago on Monday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Green Falcons trained at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the match — which kicks off in the early hours of the morning in Saudi Arabia — will be played. The training session was led by head coach Herve Renard, while midfielder Muhannad Al-Saad continued his rehabilitation program under the supervision of the team's medical staff. Saudi Arabia sit second in Group D, having lost narrowly to the US and beaten Haiti in their previous matches. A win against Trinidad and Tobago would guarantee the Green Falcons a place in the knockout stage. A draw could still be enough to progress, but only if Haiti fail to upset group leaders US in the other final-round fixture.
