WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : TODAY’S GAMES AT A GLANCE
GROUP F at RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.
Belgium vs.
Saudi Arabia
* TIME: 9:30 a.m. PDT
* TV: KCSI (Channel 18), ESPN 1 p.m.
* KEY MATCHUPS: In an earlier last-minute loss to the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia proved it has more quickness and stamina than its northern European counterparts. This sets up today’s prime matchup--young Saudi scorers Sami Al Jaber and Fuad Amin against the only defense in the tournament that has yet to give up a goal. Goalkeeper Michel Preud’homme has been outstanding for Belgium, particularly in holding the Netherlands scoreless despite 21 shots during a 1-0 victory over the Dutch last weekend. Michel De Wolf is an outstanding sweeper. The Saudi defense, quick and smart enough to shut down Morocco, won’t be tested as much today. Muhammad Abdul Jawwad is their best player there, having survived bouts with top scorers Dennis Bergkamp of the Netherlands and Mohamed Chaouch of Morocco. The biggest question for the Saudis is whether goalkeeper Muhammad Al Deayea will be as erratic as he was against the Netherlands, or as brilliant as he was against Morocco. The Belgians have shown little offense--30 shots in two games--and need improved performances from forward Josip Weber and midfielder Lorenzo Staelens.
* OUTLOOK: A tie would send the Saudis to the second round in their first World Cup finals, an impressive feat for a nation that began playing organized soccer 25 years ago. If the Saudis lose, they would be edged out of the second round by Russia, because of goal differential, thanks to the Russians’ 6-1 victory over Cameroon on Tuesday. The Belgians have already qualified for the second round, so it’s only a matter of whom they will play. If they win or tie, they clinch first place in Group F and play Ireland next week in Orlando. If they lose and the Netherlands defeats Morocco by two goals or more, the Belgians would finish second in the group and face Sweden next week in in Dallas.
* OUTCOME: Belgium actually might enjoy playing Sweden instead of Ireland, but the difference is not enough to make them tank this game. They’ll play as if they don’t care, which will be fine with the overmatched Saudis, who consider this the most important athletic contest in their country’s history. It will finish in a 1-1 tie.
