Saudis prefer Zaid to Al Deayea in goal for opener
MUNICH,
June
13
(Reuters)
Saudi
Arabia
keeper
Mohamed
Al
Deayea,
who
holds
the
world
record
for
international
caps,
will
make
way
for
Mabrouk
Zaid
against
Tunisia
in
their
Group
H
opener
today
coach
Marcos
Paqueta
said.
''Mabrouk
Zaid
will
be
in
goal
and
there
is
no
mystery,
we
will
play
a
4-4-2
system,''
the
Brazilian
said.
Al Deayea, who has played in all three of the Saudis previous World Cup campaigns and has 181 caps, was recalled to the squad this year after Zaid had a string of injuries.
However, Paqueta has opted for the younger Zaid, who was nominated for the 2005 Asia Player of the Year award.
He said his team does not face any injuries and was ready to beat a Tunisian team known for its speed and marking.
Experienced skipper Sami Al Jaber, who has been struggling with a thigh muscle injury, is fit to play in his fourth World Cup.
Midfielder Mohamed Noor has also recovered from a flu bug.
''All the players are fit and they recognise the importance of this game,'' Noor said. ''We have a good coach and we are now mentally ready.'' Saudi Arabia need to beat Tunisia tomorrow, arguably their weakest opponents, to give themselves a chance of reaching the second round. They also face Ukraine and Spain.
''For us this match is huge. It is a junction and that is how we approach it,'' said third-choice keeper Mohammad Khojah.
Reuters
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