Pakistan will host Saudi Arabia in one of the biggest games in its history for the World Cup Qualifying campaign in Islamabad on June 6th. Pakistan comes into the game with 4 losses in the group stages so far while Saudi Arabia under Roberto Mancini sits at the top of Group G with 10 points. The previous game between the two saw Saudi Arabia convincingly winning 4-0 but Pakistan was lauded for a resilient performance and putting up a great fight. Who will win this Pakistan vs Saudi Arabia encounter?
Pakistan Squad
Pakistan comes into the game with a strong 24-squad with notable new inclusions from the recently held National Challenge Cup. 16 year old left back Abdur Rehman joins Waqar Baloch after an impressive run in the NCC. Muhammad Fazal finally comes back into the squad after missing his debut during the last round with an ankle injury but is set to make his debut in front of a buzzing Islamabad crowd.
The squad sees the return of Moin Jr. to the team while Touqeer ul Hassan and Army’s Umair Ali also make a spot in the final squad after a brilliant National Challenge Cup. Stephen Constantine also named Mansfield Town’s 18 year old Mckeal Abdullah in the squad, who also looks set to make his international debut for Pakistan. Fareedullah after coming off surgery needed for his collarbone injury also makes a return to the final squad for the two games.
Pakistan will be without the services of Easah Suliman who has sought leave from the squad owing to his Hajj commitments while star midfielder, Alamgir Ghazi is also missing the game due to suspension. A surprise exclusion from the squad was of Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Adam Khan who was called up for the national camp but wasn’t selected in the final squad. Sources claim Adam was unable to impress the coaching staff during the camp.
Saudia Arabia Analysis
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Roberto Mancini named a strong squad for the games against Pakistan and Jordan in Riyadh. Saudia came into the game conceding just a single goal in their group campaign so far. They are looking set to secure a spot in the next round with a comfortable win against Islamabad.
Mancini’s men usually play with a 3-man partnership at the back and 5 in the midfield to overcrowd the area and control the tempo of the game. The Saudis are expected to dominate the game in Islamabad with star man Salem al Dawsari ready to lead the charge.
Though Saudi Arabia hasn’t been convincing since their Qatar World Cup run, it is fair to say they face little resistance against a Pakistan team that has conceded 20 goals during their last 4 games in the group and scored only one, courtesy of a Rahis Nabi strike against Tajikistan.
Pakistan Setup for the Game
Pakistan go into the game after facing heavy defeats during the last 4 games but they can keep their heads high for the fight they have put in all the games. Despite a non-existent domestic football structure and lackluster footballing infrastructure, the Shaheens have always shone to the occasion.
Saddam is expected to take up the spot in Easah Suliman’s absence while Stephen Constantine will have a major dilemma in who to select alongside Rahis Nabi in the midfield after Alamgir misses the game due to suspension. Ali Uzair is one name to start but the Pakistani midfield will have a major ask considering how the Saudis like to overpopulate the midfield and control the game.
Upfront Mckeal Abdullah is looking set to make his debut alongside Fareedullah. Pakistan will rely heavily on any counter-attacking opportunity and need to put on their scoring boots on for the very chances that may come during the game.
Fan Support
The Pakistan fan base is buzzing about this exciting fixture in its history and is ready to welcome the Saudis for an amazing atmosphere. The match under the lights is expected to draw a large crowd, with tickets selling out quickly and fans eagerly anticipating the action.
Major fan groups and the federation have collaborated to ensure a top-notch experience. Fanzones will offer a variety of footballing activities and merchandise, adding to the festive mood. The sense of footballing community and pride is immense this time around the game, with fans fervently supporting the Shaheens and rallying behind their squad. This match is not just a game but a celebration of football and a testament to the passion of Pakistani fans.
The Verdict
Pakistan seeks to bounce back after some tough losses, while Saudi Arabia is ready to make it into the next round. This game promises to be an exciting showdown in Jinnah Stadium with unwavering support from the crowd.
Pakistan faces some tough questions from the Saudis, but playing at home with the support of their passionate fans could give them something to cheer for a heroic underdog story.
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