Saudis confident of avoiding another World Cup debacle

BAD NAUHEIM, Germany, June 2: Saudi Arabian coach Marcos Paqueta is confident ''the Greens'' can avoid a similar debacle to 2002 at their fourth successive World Cup finals.

''We are here not only to participate but we want to go as far as possible,'' Brazil's Paqueta told reporters today at the Saudi training base north of Frankfurt.

He declined to forecast how far Saudi Arabia might go, saying only reaching the quarter-finals would be a ''good'' thing after the Saudis went through to the second round in 1994.

Saudi Arabia failed to make it into the second round in 2002 after losing to Cameroon, Ireland and 8-0 to Germany, and failing to score a goal.

Paqueta, who has been coach for only a few months, said his team had gained useful experience by playing strong European sides such as the Czech Republic who beat them 2-0 in a friendly.

''We have really gained confidence in matches against some strong international teams... The players learned it the hard way,'' he said, speaking through an interpreter.

Saudi Arabia also lost 1-0 to Turkey and 3-0 to Portugal in warm-ups.

He said he was not worried that three players were under the weather, among them goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Deayea.

Paqueta said veterans Al-Deayea and captain Sami Al-Jaber would play a key role. ''Both are idols for the younger players.'' Saudi Arabia are in Group H with Ukraine, Spain and Arab rivals Tunisia.

REUTERS