Writing in moments of triumph is always fraught with euphoria and overwhelming joy, where reason takes precedence over emotion. However, the scene is entirely different in the face of failure; a state of tension prevails, and criticism and blame become weapons wielded against everyone without exception. Hence the importance of pausing and postponing writing until emotions have calmed down, allowing for a deeper artistic reading and a more equitable and appropriate critique of the event.
Analysis of the reasons for the loss: Did the Green Stars let the Greens down?
When analyzing the reasons for the recent failure, specifically against the Jordanian national team, several legitimate questions arise. Could a better performance have been achieved? The answer is undoubtedly yes. The Saudi team appeared lackluster, with the midfield suffering from a strange state of disarray and lack of focus, which negatively impacted their passing accuracy, resulting in disastrous performances at crucial moments of the match.
In tactically tight and highly competitive matches, small details make all the difference. A team needs to capitalize on half-chances and make perfect counter-attacks, but the national team's midfield failed to convert several opportunities that could have turned the tide of the game. Instead, a period of passive possession and mental lapses for just five minutes resulted in conceding a goal that was enough to eliminate the team from a tournament the fans had hoped to win.
Hervé Renard: Between the hammer of dismissal and the anvil of stability
With every setback, the rhetoric of settling scores resurfaces, and calls grow louder for the dismissal of French coach Hervé Renard or the retirement of certain players. These demands are often driven by club loyalties rather than based on constructive technical criticism. The fundamental question here is: Is Renard the right man for the job at this stage?
The answer is twofold: yes, because he is the coach most familiar with the players' capabilities and their technical and psychological states, a fact he has proven in previous instances, most notably qualifying for the World Cup and delivering commendable performances in some matches. However, no, because he insists on certain tactical convictions that may not be suitable for the nature of the game. Nevertheless, the option of maintaining technical stability remains the most likely. Keeping Renard, with some adjustments and fine-tuning of the tactics, is far better than taking the risk of a new coach who won't possess a magic wand to transform the players' skills overnight.
The paradox of the reserve and main national teams
One of the strange paradoxes of public opinion in the sports world is that when the Saudi national team participated in the 2021 tournament with a reserve squad and was eliminated in the first round, voices were raised claiming we had missed an opportunity to compete. Yet, when we participated this time with the first team (which comprises 70% of the 2021 squad), the same voices returned to criticize and demand the participation of the reserve team. This contradiction confirms that public judgment is based solely on results, ignoring the fact that football is a game of details, and that defeat is an inherent part of the game.
In conclusion: A call for optimism and action
This latest setback, while painful and unexpected, should serve as a lesson for everyone. The blame remains with the national team players, from whom we expected greater seriousness in crucial moments, but our confidence in them remains. As a sporting community, we are obligated to stand behind the team. Praying for their triumphant return is the most prominent theme for the upcoming stage, with the hope that their next encounter will be with the podiums of victory, not the platforms of criticism.
