Two-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning coach Herve Renard has once again written his name into the history books after guiding Saudi Arabia to their second consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification following a goalless draw against Iraq in Jeddah on Tuesday evening.
Saudi Arabia booked their place at next year’s global showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after securing the crucial point that ensured they topped Group B of Asia’s fourth-round qualifiers. Playing before a passionate crowd of over 60,000 fans at King Abdullah Sports City, the Green Falcons were made to fight hard for their place, with goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi pulling off a stunning stoppage-time save to deny Hassan Abdulkareem’s curling free kick.
The qualification marks Saudi Arabia’s seventh World Cup appearance and Renard’s second consecutive qualification with the team. The French tactician, who previously led Zambia and the Ivory Coast to AFCON glory in 2012 and 2015, respectively, also guided Morocco to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Reflecting on the achievement, Renard credited the home fans for their unrelenting support.
“I was expecting a lot of people but the atmosphere was fantastic – the fans pushed the players,” said Renard.
“Even though Salem [Al Dawsari] got the man of the match, I think this evening it was the fans. It has not been easy a few months ago, but we did it and this is the most important.”
Renard, who first made his name in Africa by guiding Zambia to their historic 2012 AFCON triumph, continues to cement his reputation as one of world football’s most accomplished international coaches.
He also led the French women’s team to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, becoming the second manager after John Herdman to coach at both the men’s and women’s World Cups.
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