Saudi Arabia Coach Defends Tactics After 4-0 Drubbing by Spain

Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis addresses his team

Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis defended his low-block strategy after Spain’s 4-0 World Cup win, saying it was the only way to contain them. Saudi Arabia have 1 point from 2 games.

Donis says defensive plan was only way to stop Spain after 4-0 loss...

Saudi Arabia’s low block collapsed as Spain tore through it with ease. After the 4-0 World Cup loss on Sunday, coach Georgios Donis said his team lacked toughness around the box and defended their game plan to critics.

Spain dominated the Group H game, carving open the Saudi defense for three goals in the first 30 minutes. From there they cruised to a comfortable win.

“We decided to play with three centre-backs, so ‌with five across the back and have a low block and to do as best we could possibly defensively,” Donis said.

“But we had ‌to be stronger and stop the ball. ⁠There was no single ‌reason for what didn’t go well for us, but the key is we were not strong enough around the edge of our box.”

Donis said Yamal’s early strike in the 10th minute was the turning point.

“Spain scored early with excellent pace, and this affected our morale. After that, we made a lot of ⁠mistakes when we had the ball at our feet.

“When a game is not going well and when you concede three goals very quickly, you feel insecure.

“Obviously we were affected, but you see that often ‌in football. That is only natural.”

Donis said his defensive setup was the only realistic option for containing Spain’s attack.

“We had a bad result today, but against one of the best teams at the World Cup, and it’s very difficult for us to digest. But I’m proud of my players for what they do every day, and I’ll never lose pride in my players, even after a poor ‌result.

“We’ve already seen games at this World Cup that have ​ended in 6-0 or 5-1 scorelines. The most important ‌factor for us is that we accept that we are going to be criticised, but I also expect those who criticised us to be realistic.”

Saudi Arabia have just one point from their first two games. They wrap up the group stage against Cape Verde in Houston on Friday.