Match highlights
French coach Hervé Renard praised his forward Salem Al-Dosari after he helped Saudi Arabia beat Oman 2-1 in the opening group-stage encounter of the 2025 World Cup tonight.
Al-Dosari set up two goals for Faris Al-Breikan and Saleh Al-Shehri in the 55th and 76th minutes, the first time he has registered two truly decisive passes in a single international game.
Renard said in the post-match press conference that Salem Al-Dosari is an exceptional player, extremely important to the group; what he did today shows his technical value and his ability to make a difference.
On the team's fluctuations, he added that players must understand they need to log more minutes with the clubs they play for; we are doing everything we can to help them.
The match was not easy; Oman defended well at times, but we still managed to score twice and seal the win.
Renard also noted that the Omanis defended stoutly in the first half, but Saudi Arabia produced a better second period; overall the result was sound and the victory the main aim.
He wrapped up that all teams performed well, and that was particularly evident in the Morocco vs Comoros match, and we must recover quickly.
Popcorn time; Renard's tactics are tasty.
Al-Dosari: the pass master, also master of celebrations.
