The Saudi Arabian national football team resumed training Tuesday evening in Doha, Qatar, as part of their final preparations for the highly anticipated match against the United Arab Emirates . This crucial match will determine the third-place finisher and bronze medalist in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ , and will take place on Thursday evening.
This match holds special significance as a quintessential Gulf derby, with encounters between the Saudi and Emirati national teams always characterized by intense rivalry and excitement, given their long history of competition on both the Gulf and Asian stages. Both teams are striving to finish the tournament on a high note and secure a morale-boosting victory to satisfy their fans' aspirations after a challenging journey in the competition.
Details of the first training session for the Green Team
Under the supervision of French coach Hervé Renard , the Saudi national team players held their training session at the Aspire Academy training grounds. The session saw the players divided into two groups to ensure maximum technical and physical benefit. The first group, comprised of players who started in the semi-final match against Jordan, underwent a recovery session in the well-equipped gym to alleviate fatigue and prepare them physically for the upcoming match. The second group conducted a regular training session on the pitch, where the coaching staff focused on implementing various tactical plays through "square drills" designed to improve passing speed and off-the-ball movement. A portion of the session was also dedicated to practicing set pieces, both defensively and offensively, given their importance in deciding such close matches.
Updates and injuries
Murad Al-Hawasawi was unable to complete the training session with his teammates, as he felt muscle pains, so the medical staff preferred to rest him as a precautionary measure. His condition will be carefully assessed in the coming hours to determine his readiness to participate in the match.
The importance of the tournament and the historical context
The Arab Cup, which returned to FIFA's umbrella in 2021, is an important platform for Arab national teams to test their strength and prepare their players for more important continental and international competitions, such as the World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup. Winning third place in this tournament would be a significant boost for both teams and enhance their standing on the regional football scene. The Saudi national team hopes to continue its good form and confirm its progress under coach Hervé Renard, while the UAE national team aims to appease its fans with a valuable bronze medal.
The Saudi national team is scheduled to continue its preparations with a final training session on Wednesday evening, at 4:00 PM at Aspire Academy. Media outlets will be allowed to attend the first 15 minutes of the training session, in accordance with the media regulations followed in the tournament.
