DOHA, Qatar (AP) — It was a house crowd for Saudi Arabia on Saturday because it performed Poland in its second match on the World Cup.Regardless of clear disappointment over the 2-0 loss, Saudi followers have been nonetheless basking within the glow of their workforce’s unbelievable win in opposition to Argentina earlier this week, one of many greatest upsets in World Cup historical past.“We’re going to neglect what occurred as we speak,” stated Ahmad al-Khalaf, a 35-year-old from the nation’s japanese al-Ahsa area, when requested in regards to the defeat. “For certain, we’re going to beat (Mexico) within the subsequent match as we beat Argentina earlier than.”The stadium was a sea of inexperienced as stands stuffed with tens of hundreds of Saudi followers, lured throughout the border by the lingering thrill of their nation’s uncommon World Cup triumph. Males in darkish inexperienced jerseys and girls in lime-hued abayas, their faces painted within the colours of the nationwide flag, cheered every second a Saudi participant kicked the ball. When Poland’s gamers made a transfer, boos thundered across the pitch.Some followers speculated that the sheer dimension and depth of the gang created stress that damage the workforce’s efficiency. However others reveled within the sense of togetherness.“The gang was completely stunning,” stated 25-year-old Malek al-Malki from the port metropolis of Jeddah. “It’s clear we abruptly imagine extra in our nationwide workforce.”Few had predicted that the ultraconservative kingdom, the second lowest-ranked workforce within the World Cup, would have been swept up within the wildest revelry of the match to this point. However the kingdom’s affection for the nationwide workforce displays the brand new, extra nationalistic Saudi Arabia rising below highly effective Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.The win over Argentina sparked celebrations throughout the Arab world, from Cairo to Gaza Metropolis in a uncommon show of Arab unity.That pleasure and patriotism was undimmed on Saturday, whilst crestfallen followers filtered out of the stadium.“That pleasure lives without end,” stated Osama al-Jamal, a 22-year-old scholar who drove from Riyadh to observe his workforce play.___
Saudi followers placed on courageous face after World Cup loss to Poland
