Saudi Arabia will look to erase painful memories of a harrowing opening defeat to Russia when they battle Group A-favourites Uruguay at World Cup 2018.
The nations experienced contrasting fortunes when their campaigns got under way. A surprise 5-0 hammering by hosts Russia was given to the Green Falcons last Thursday when they returned to the global stage for the first time in 12 years.
On the next day, Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Gimenez rose highest at the death against Egypt to earn a valuable 1-0 triumph.
Here are the key battles for Wednesday’s meeting at Rostov Arena:
DIEGO GODIN V FAHAD AL MUWALLAD
An obvious victim of the fallout from the humiliation against Russia is leaden-footed centre forward Mohammad Al Sahlawi, whose woeful recent form at international level continued.
Al Ittihad forward Al Muwallad had been expected to start up top, after successful experimentation during warm-up defeats versus Italy and Germany.
His searing pace could be the only possible route to unsettling the peerless Godin.
The 32-year-old, alongside club-mate and matchwinner Gimenez, easily snubbed out all Egypt attacks that came through the static Marwan Mohsen.
Al Muwallad’s lightning pace and electric feet will offer a contrasting threat.
MATIAS VECINO V SALMAN AL FARAJ
One of few Saudis to come out with any credit was Al Hilal centre midfielder Al Faraj.
His 93.7-per-cent pass accuracy was the best of any outfield starter in green, while he led the way with 98 touches. This was in stark contrast to substituted club-mate Abdullah Otayf, whose lack of physicality meant the midfield battle could not be won.
Another fearsome opponent awaits in Internazionale’s Vecino. The 26-year-old is riding a crest of a wave after he got the goal that ended the San Siro giants’ six-year absence from the Champions League.
A tally of six interceptions – behind only Gimenez’s nine – against Egypt points to his masterful understanding of the game.
LUIS SUAREZ V OSAMA HAWSAWI
Suarez has gained renown for his phenomenal range of skills and boundless – some would argue to a fault – desire to win.
Yet the 31-year-old was strangely out of sorts against Egypt. A glaring opening was dragged wide early doors and an extra touch taken later when a goal seemed certain.
Unsurprisingly, he was dispossessed a team-high five times.
Saudi skipper Hawsawi will be desperate for a repeat. The 34-year-old was the least culpable part of a porous backline, making three more tackles (four) than chastised centre-back partner Omar Hawsawi.
His experience means he should survive the cull that is coming from chastened head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi.
