Record-breaking Saudi keeper faces anxious wait

BAD NAUHEIM, Germany, June 5 (Reuters) For 16 years Mohamed Al Deayea has been a fixture between the posts for Saudi Arabia, accumulating a world record 181 caps.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper, on the eve of his fourth World Cup, remains a hero back home but now realises he is no longer an automatic choice for the national team.

Brazilian coach Marcos Paqueta has preferred the younger Mabrouk Zaid since taking charge in December and he is likely to start in their Group H opener with Tunisia on June 14.

''Good question!'' Paqueta joked when asked which keeper he would use after yesterday's 15-0 stroll against a local representative side north of Frankfurt.

''It's important all three of them are prepared to play at the highest level,'' he added, referring also to Mohammad Khouja of Al-Shabab who is the other keeper in the squad.

Al Deayea and Zaid play for the two biggest clubs in Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, but despite an obvious rivalry the veteran told reporters today there was no bad feeling.

''It's up to the coach,'' said Al Deayea, who has experienced the high of a second-round appearance in 1994 and the low of an 8-0 defeat by Germany in their opening match four years ago.

''The competition between us is only on the pitch. Our religion refuses to allow unfair competition.

''He is my close friend and we both accept the decisions of the coaching staff. In training we talk together about our mistakes and try and help each other out.

''I have been substitute to many goalkeepers before and as a former coach once told me, even Pele was substitute sometimes''.

Whether or not Al Deayea adds to his tally of caps this month, his experience of three World Cup campaigns will be a big help to some of the rising stars in the squad.

''I will pass on my knowledge to the other players. I really believe that there will be no repeat of what happened in 2002.'' Four years ago the Saudis went home after three first-round defeats having conceded 12 goals with none in reply.

They will also face Spain and Ukraine in Group H.

EUTERS AY PM2037