JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006 with a 1-0 victory over Japan in a decisive Asian qualifying match on Tuesday at the King Abdulah Sports City Stadium on the outskirts of Jeddah.
Needing to win to qualify outright after Australia beat Thailand 2-1 earlier in Melbourne, the Green Falcons did just that before an announced full house crowd of 62,165 at the cavernous stadium.
Striker Fahad Al-Muwallad collected a pass from the right and booted in a goal to the top corner in the 63rd minute that had the home crowd erupting in jubilation.
Saudi Arabia finished the World Cup qualifiers on 19 points to advance outright to Russia 2018 as the second team from Group B with already-qualified Japan on 20 points from 10 matches.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, congratulated the Saudi national team for its win in a tweet he posted on his Twitter account.
“Congratulation to the Men of the Kingdom. Salman’s men’s qualification to 2018 World Cup. A team that deserves to represent all Arabs. Congratulation to Custodian of the Two holy Mosques and to the beloved Saudi people”.
Elsewhere, South Korea qualified from Group A alongside Iran with a goalless draw away to Uzbekistan.
Saudi Arabia reaches World Cup finals with dramatic win over Japan
Saudi Arabia reaches World Cup finals with dramatic win over Japan
Sharjah Self-Defence takes opening-day lead at Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- Round 1 of the competition is taking place at Nad Al Sheba Complex in Dubai
DUBAI: The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship — Round 1 No Gi got underway in Dubai on Saturday with the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club leading the standings at the end of the day’s action.
The competition took place at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex with action across the U-12, U-14 and U-16 categories.
Day 1 also saw Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club finish in second place and Palms Sports — Team 777 in third.
Mohamed Hussain Al-Marzooqi, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the inclusion of the No Gi category reflects the federation’s commitment to providing athletes with more competitive opportunities and developing their skills across different jiu-jitsu styles. He stressed that investment in youth categories remains essential to building a generation capable of representing the UAE at regional and international competitions.
“No Gi competitions offer a different challenge in jiu-jitsu, with a focus on speed, flexibility and tactical awareness,” said Al-Marzooqi. “We include this format to help develop athletes’ skills, prepare them for international competition, and build well-rounded athletes who can adapt to different styles.”
The championship continues on Sunday with competitions in the U-18, Adults and Masters categories, with significant participation from clubs and academies from across the UAE.
