Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

One-Goal Masterclass: Renard’s Saudi Triumph Sets Up Arab Cup Prep

14 November 2025

One-Goal Masterclass: Renard’s Saudi Triumph Sets Up Arab Cup Prep
Saudi Arabia edged Ivory Coast 1-0 in a friendly ahead of the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar.

Renard’s One-Goal Motto Shines in Saudi Victory

Renowned French coach Hervé Renard guided the Saudi national team to a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast in a warm-up at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah. Saleh Abu Al-Shamat scored the decisive goal to seal the victory as the squad prepares for the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar.

Performance, Stats, and Player Development

The Green demonstrated a disciplined display and a fighting spirit that Renard has repeatedly emphasized. The result mirrors the one-goal win pattern that has featured prominently in his tenure, with the team collecting valuable training data and asserting its evolving balance between defense, midfield control, and attack.

What’s Next: Arab Cup and World Cup Prep

Renard’s return to form comes after a challenging spell under the Italian coach Roberto Mancini, with the team gradually regaining tactical discipline and confidence. The Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar is viewed as a crucial platform to test different lineups, integrate young players, and refine strategies ahead of broader World Cup preparations. The match served as a practical stage to assess the squad’s resilience, focus, and ability to adapt to varied opponents.

Punchline 1: When Renard says one goal is enough, the scoreline nods yes and the defense sighs, like a sniper finally hitting a quiet target.

Punchline 2: If football were a sniper’s sport, Renard would own the headlines—precision, patience, and a single shot that keeps the press shining with calm, comedy, and confidence.

Author

Avatar

Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result and who scored?

Saudi Arabia won 1-0 with Saleh Abu Al-Shamat scoring the decisive goal.

What did Renard say about the performance?

He praised the team’s fighting spirit and commitment but noted improvements are needed in attacking movement and ball handling.

What does this mean for upcoming competitions?

It signals renewed identity and readiness for the Arab Cup 2025 and World Cup preparations, with room for young players to break through.