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Renard Breaks Camp to Scout Saudi Olympic Stars Before Jordans Clash: A Last-Minute Tactical Move

14 December 2025

Renard Breaks Camp to Scout Saudi Olympic Stars Before Jordans Clash: A Last-Minute Tactical Move
Renard monitors the Olympic squad ahead of the Jordan clash in Qatar

Matchday Update

The French coach backs the Green's rising stars.

French coach Hervé Renard left the Green's training camp 24 hours before the Arab Cup 2025 semifinal against Jordan to follow a Saudi Olympic team match.

The Saudi senior team is preparing to face Jordan on Monday afternoon at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, as part of the crucial Arab Cup semifinals.

About 24 hours before the game, Renard left the camp to watch the Saudi Olympic team play the UAE in the Gulf Cup Under-23 semifinals, also held in Qatar.

Renard was not alone; he was accompanied by several Saudi players, including Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Saleh Al-Shehri, Nawaf Bosh, and Nasser Al-Dosari.

This move by Renard and the senior players aims to support the Olympic team, which could potentially qualify, if they win, for the final to meet the winner of Iraq and Qatar on Wednesday.

Sniper joke 1: Renard's scouting is so precise, even the ball dodges the spotlight.

Sniper joke 2: If football were hunting, Renard would spot the net from a mile away with a postcard in hand.

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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

Why did Renard leave the Saudi camp just before the semi-final?

To follow and support the Saudi Olympic team's crucial Gulf Cup Under-23 semifinal in Qatar.

Which players accompanied Renard?

Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Saleh Al-Shehri, Nawaf Bosh and Nasser Al-Dosari.

What happens if the Olympic team wins?

They could reach the Arab Cup final, facing the Iraq-Qatar winner on Wednesday.