WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : TODAY’S GAMES AT A GLANCE
GROUP F
at RFK Stadium, Washington
Netherlands vs.
Saudi Arabia
* TIME: 4:30 p.m.
* TV: Univision, ESPN (9:30 p.m.)
* KEY MATCHUPS: Majed Mohammed, the legendary Saudi forward nicknamed “the Pele of the Desert,” is sound enough to play after being sidelined because of a back injury. He even scored a goal in Saudi Arabia’s final World Cup tuneup against Trinidad.
The problem is, Mohammed, 35, looks nearly as old as Pele. And he will be matched with one of the world’s finest defenders, Ronald Koeman.
This is only one of the matchups that will favor the powerful Dutch, who will use this opening game as their first step toward possible World Cup stardom.
The Saudis’ star midfielder, Ahmed Jameel Madani, will be marked by Frank Rijkaard and Jan Wouters, two European stars in the final years of their career.
The Saudis’ top defender, Muhammad Abdul Jawwad, will have to deal with Dutch forward Dennis Bergkamp, one of the finest playmakers in the world.
* OUTLOOK: From their rowdy fans who are known for playing with policeman’s caps to their outspoken stars, the Dutch already lead the World Cup in arrogance.
In their final pre-Cup news conference Saturday, Koeman ripped the United States for a lack of soccer interest, saying it was a “pity” that the World Cup was here.
“In the Netherlands, it’s a big feast, but here? No. Sometimes you have to explain the rules to people,” he said. Forward Ronald De Boer then ripped baseball, saying, “We saw the Blue Jays. There were maybe five exciting moments in the whole game.”
The Saudis, making their World Cup finals debut, are hoping the Dutch are lulled into mistakes like the Italians and Spaniards, both of whom were surprised in their opening game. Italy was stunned by Ireland, and Spain was tied in the final seconds by South Korea.
“We have all seen what happened with Ireland and South Korea in the tournament so far, and it has given this team hope,” said Hamad Al Rashid, a Saudi TV producer.
* OUTCOME: This same Dutch team whipped Hungary, 7-1, during World Cup qualifying. When facing a weaker team, it is not afraid to pour it on and rub it in. Tonight’s beating will be so bad, local fans will think they are watching the Redskins. The Netherlands, by the equivalent of a touchdown.
