Match fallout
Saudi coach Hervé Renard faced an unexpected setback during the Arab Cup semi-final against Jordan, staged in Qatar.
The Saudis were defeated by Jordan, one-nil, in the showdown held at Al Bayt Stadium.
Beyond the loss, Renard learned another blow was coming: a member of the Green will miss the next match.
Walid Al-Ahmadi, a Saudi defender, will sit out the third-place playoff against the United Arab Emirates, Thursday evening at Khalifa International Stadium.
His absence comes after a red card, formally suspending him for the next game under the tournament rules.
A source close to the squad told Al Yaum that Abd-Ilah Al-Omairi would partner Hassan Tambakti at the back for the UAE clash.
Morocco had already booked its place by beating the UAE 3-0 at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, in the semi-finals.
The match results leave Saudi Arabia seeking answers as the regional tournament heads toward a dramatic finish.
Renard will need to reshuffle, reinforce the defense, and hope the magic touch returns with the UAE game and beyond.
Fans clap, analysts scroll, and the green machine promises a comeback.
Punchline: Maybe the strategy was just foggy weather—because Renard's playbook came with a built-in rain delay.
Punchline 2: If at first you don't succeed, try defending with a mug of strong tea.
