Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

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The Green Falcons train, under the watchful eye of head coach Herve Renard, at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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The Green Falcons train at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 June 2025
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Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

  • Squad greeted by Saudi Arabia’s Consul General in Houston Shafi Al-Otaibi.
  • Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued recovery work, guided by the team’s medical staff

AUSTIN: The Saudi national football team has touched down in Austin, Texas, and is now in the final stretch of its preparations for Thursday night’s highly anticipated Concacaf Gold Cup game against the United States at Q2 Stadium.

Arriving from San Diego late Tuesday, the squad was greeted by Saudi Arabia’s Consul General in Houston, Shafi Al-Otaibi. Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal extending his thanks to the consulate for their hospitality and the smooth coordination of arrival logistics.

Once settled, the Green Falcons got straight to work. Under the watchful eye of head coach Herve Renard, the team trained at St. Edward’s University. The session featured a mix of warm-ups, and a short game on half the pitch, before winding down with stretching routines.

Injury updates came from the sidelines, where Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued their recovery work individually, guided by the team’s medical staff.

Saudi Arabia will hold one final training session on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. local time, again at St. Edward’s. The opening 15 minutes will be open to the media.


Benzema’s goal propels Al-Ittihad to victory in Asian Champions League

Updated 24 December 2025
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Benzema’s goal propels Al-Ittihad to victory in Asian Champions League

  • The victory moved Al-Ittihad to sixth place in the 12-team Western group

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Karim Benzema’s second-half strike was enough to give Al-Ittihad a 1-0 win over Nasaf Qarshi of Uzbekistan on Tuesday, placing the Saudi title holders within sight of the Asian Champions League Elite knockout round.
The French striker volleyed home from close range at the far post after 57 minutes, meeting a cross from Portuguese winger Roger Fernandes.
The victory moved Al-Ittihad to sixth place in the 12-team Western group. With the top eight from the East and West advancing to the round of 16, a win against Qatar’s Al-Gharafa in the next match would clinch advancement for the two-time champion.
Elsewhere, Roberto Mancini delivered Al-Sadd’s first win in dramatic fashion.
Trailing 2-1 to Al-Ahli Dubai after 90 minutes, the Qatar club scored three goals in stoppage time to win 4-2, with Spanish striker Rafa Mujica completing his hat trick, and keep faint hopes of advancing alive.