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Saudi Arabia needed to take a fairly long route towards qualifying towards their third successive World Cup and seventh in total. After finishing in third place in the third stage of Asia qualifying behind Japan and Australia, they made it through to the fourth round of qualifying where, following wins against Indonesia and a draw against Iraq, they made it through to the tournament actual. In their last five campaigns, Saudi Arabia have been knocked out in the group stages, but few people will forget how four years ago they defeated Argentina 2-1 before they went on to win the tournament.
Al Ahli striker Al Buraikan was Saudi Arabia’s top scorer in qualifying, netting five times in fifteen games, including a brace in the 3-2 win over Indonesia in their penultimate qualifier that put them on course towards qualifying for the World Cup. No player featured more times for Saudi Arabia in qualifying than Al Buraikan, and at the age of 21 four years ago, he started every game at the World Cup. He has gained experience since, and the versatile player who can play in attack or midfield will likely be integral to the squad this summer.
