Serenity, calm reign in Saudi camp after disastrous World Cup start (02.06.2002)
SAPORRO
The anticipated announcement by Saudi FA of taking some radical measures in the aftermath of Monday`s 8-0 humiliating defeat at the hands of Germany never took place, signs of calm and serenity reign within the Saudi camp despite the disastrous result.
"All the players and technical staff members will be summoned for questioning at the end of the first round here in Saporro, whatever the ultimate result of the overall three matches might be," said Prince Turki Bin-Khaled, head of the Saudi delegation to Japan.
Talking to Saudi media late Monday night, Prince Turki added this: "Harm was done, sure, but we have to forget this impasse.
"Mathematically speaking, we still have a chance to make it to the second round, but
thereis a long haul to witness in order to get there. Only a convincing result against Cameroon will lift the spirits of all the team, and we have to concentrate on this beginning now."
Manager Nasser Al-Johar was at the centre stage of most critics of Saudi papers editorials back in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The coach was slammed for "playing without a convincing scheme, making hazardous substitutions and thinking about the Cameroon outing at the end of a disastrous first-half."
Al-Johar accepted his responsibility over the thrashing defeat soon after the game, adding "I was personally surprised regarding the lack of dedication and commitment showed by the entire side throughout the game," talking to daily paper Al-Riyadh on Tuesday.
