Saudi Arabia‘s Gulf Cup Exit: Renard Points to Defensive Flaws
Saudi Arabia’s hopes of winning the 26th Gulf Cup ended in a 1-2 semi-final defeat to Oman on January 4, 2025. Following the loss, national team coach Hervé Renard didn’t shy away from criticizing his team’s performance, notably their defensive shortcomings.
“If the players had defended well in the second goal game, things would have been different now,” Renard stated in his post-match press conference, addressing concerns about his team’s offensive strategy.
Renard was blunt in his assessment, asserting that a team conceding eight goals throughout the tournament couldn’t realistically expect to win the title. He emphasized the need for significant improvement in the team’s defensive capabilities, particularly ahead of the crucial Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. “A team that concedes 8 goals cannot be champion,” he declared.
The criticism extended beyond the team’s overall defensive performance. Renard also expressed disappointment with the contributions of several substitutes introduced in the second half against Oman, stating they failed to provide the necessary impact on the field. He further noted a lack of fight and sacrifice from his players, especially after Oman was reduced to ten men in the 34th minute.
Renard’s post-game analysis also included a critique of the match referee, Turkish official Halil Umut Miller. “He was not in an ideal state today,” Renard commented, citing a questionable call that led to Oman’s first goal as evidence.
Looking ahead, Oman will now face either Kuwait or Bahrain in the Gulf Cup final. For Saudi Arabia, the focus shifts to addressing the defensive vulnerabilities highlighted by Renard to ensure a successful qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
The loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Saudi Arabia’s national team, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments and improved performance across the squad if they hope to compete on the world stage.
Following their 1-2 semi-final defeat to Oman on January 4, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s hopes of winning the 26th Gulf Cup were dashed. Coach Hervé Renard was critical of his team’s performance, especially their defensive weaknesses.
He said, “If the players had defended well in the second goal game, things would have been different now,” during his post-match press conference. [1]
Renard emphasized that a team conceding eight goals throughout a tournament cannot realistically win. [1]
Renard also expressed dissatisfaction with his substitutes’ performance in the second half against Oman saying they failed to make the necessary impact on the field. [1] he further noted a lack of fight and sacrifice from his players, especially after Oman was reduced to ten men in the 34th minute. [1]
Renard criticized the match referee, Turkish official Halil Umut Miller stating “He was not in an ideal state today,” and citing a questionable call that led to Oman’s first goal.[1]
Following this loss, Saudi Arabia will focus on addressing their defensive vulnerabilities before the crucial asian qualifiers for the 2026 World cup. [1]
