Saudi Arabia can perhaps count themselves unlucky to be placed in a group with two-time World Cup winners Argentina, alongside formidable opposition in Poland and Mexico.
However, the Falcons will take great pride in appearing in their second consecutive World Cup finals.
Herve Renard’s side impressed in qualifying as they topped their group – which included the likes of Japan and Australia. Saudi Arabia suffered just one defeat in their 10 qualifying matches, which can be put down to their resolute defence. They conceded just six goals, which enabled them to grind out hard-fought wins, such as their crucial 1-0 victory at home against Australia.
If Saudi Arabia are to have any chance of advancing from the group stages, they will need Salem Al Dawsari and Saleh Al Sheri to chip in with goals as they did throughout qualifying. The pair ended the campaign with seven goals each, highlighting their importance to the side. With chances against the other three teams in Group C likely to be at a premium, they will need to be clinical.
Saudi Arabia struggled at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, losing the opening game 5-0 to the hosts, before a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. They signed off with a 2-1 win over Mohamed Salah's Egypt, demonstrating their ability to compete with high-quality opposition.
The Falcons will hope they can use the underdog status to their advantage as they did in 1994, when they qualified from a group that contained the Netherlands, Morocco, and Belgium. They were eventually knocked out in the last 16 by Sweden, and a similar showing would represent a very good tournament for Saudi Arabia.
While advancing from Group C looks tricky for Saudi Arabia, they can be thrilled with their qualifying efforts in reaching their sixth World Cup.
Manager: Herve Renard
Star player: Salem Al Dawsari
One to watch: Saleh Al Sheri
World Cups appeared in: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018
Fixtures: Nov 22 - Argentina v Saudi Arabia; Nov 26 - Poland v Saudi Arabia; Nov 30 - Saudi Arabia v Mexico
Crops that could be introduced to the UAE
1: Quinoa
2. Bathua
3. Amaranth
4. Pearl and finger millet
5. Sorghum
More on animal trafficking
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
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What is type-1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a genetic and unavoidable condition, rather than the lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes.
It occurs mostly in people under 40 and a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars.
Too much or too little blood sugar can result in an attack where sufferers lose consciousness in serious cases.
Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the more common type 2 diabetes.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Empire of Enchantment: The Story of Indian Magic
John Zubrzycki, Hurst Publishers
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
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MATCH INFO
Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')
Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
THREE
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
The biog
Name: James Mullan
Nationality: Irish
Family: Wife, Pom; and daughters Kate, 18, and Ciara, 13, who attend Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Favourite book or author: “That’s a really difficult question. I’m a big fan of Donna Tartt, The Secret History. I’d recommend that, go and have a read of that.”
Dream: “It would be to continue to have fun and to work with really interesting people, which I have been very fortunate to do for a lot of my life. I just enjoy working with very smart, fun people.”
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