Brazilian Parreira hopes for success with Saudis

PARIS, June 8 (AFP)

Carlos Alberto Parreira, coach of 1994 winners Brazil, will hope that his golden touch works again with new charges Saudi Arabia in France 98. The Asian champions reached the last 16 four years ago thanks to wins over Morocco and Belgium but their route to the second round this time around is more perilous with hosts France, Denmark and South Africa also in group C. Their opening match is against the Danes in Lens on Friday and a good performance is essential if they are to enjoy similar success to 1994. They have played a series of warm-up matches over the last month but the results have left Parreira, and the opposing coaches, with little clue about the teams true potential. A goalless draw against England at Wembley on May 23 was followed by a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Norway four days later. Parreira called the draw "a big achievement" and was not too disheartened at the loss to Norway. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Deayea, rated the finest goalkeeper in Asia, was sent off before Norway opened the scoring and Mohammed Al-Khilaiwi was also shown the red card. Parreira and his squad moved into their training camp south of Paris in late May and have been trying to blend the passionate approach to the game which brought them success in the 1994 World Cup and the 1996 Asia Cup with a more pragmatic outlook. "People everywhere become obsessed with the World Cup and its no different in Saudi Arabia," said Parreira. "Everyone is aware of what the country expects of us and we are working towards satisfying their hopes."  The fortunes of Saudi Arabia depend largely on the displays of attacking midfielder Saeed Owairan, nicknamed the Desert Maradona, and striker Sami Al-Jaber. Owairans tremendous individual goal against Belgium in the 1994 World Cup was one of the best strikes of the tournament and it led to him being voted Asian Footballer of the Year. European clubs also started to court him but his fortunes faded when he was found guilty of breaking Islamic law after attending an illegal drinks party, and was banned from the game for 18 months. He missed the Saudis Asian Cup triumph and the World Cup qualifiers but showed glimpses of his old self in this years Confederations Cup and was selected for France. The Saudis are hoping he links well with Al-Jaber, a player who excels in running at defenders and is deadly when presented with chances inside the box.

© - AFP - 1998