Saudi Arabia fans gathered to watch the World Cup match against Poland at Marsool Park Stadium in Riyadh. Reuters
Saudi Arabia fans gathered to watch the World Cup match against Poland at Marsool Park Stadium in Riyadh. Reuters
There was a carnival atmosphere at the stadium after Saudi Arabia's opening win over Argentina. Reuters
There was a carnival atmosphere at the stadium after Saudi Arabia's opening win over Argentina. Reuters
Young Saudi fans wearing their team's colours fly the country's flag. Reuters
Young Saudi fans wearing their team's colours fly the country's flag. Reuters
A Saudi Arabia fan takes a selfie. Reuters
A Saudi Arabia fan takes a selfie. Reuters
The atmosphere was tense during the match. Reuters
The atmosphere was tense during the match. Reuters
Saudi Arabia were beaten 2-0, with Poland's goals from Piotr Zielinski and Robert Lewandowski. Reuters
Saudi Arabia were beaten 2-0, with Poland's goals from Piotr Zielinski and Robert Lewandowski. Reuters
The result meant disappointment in the Riyadh stadium. Reuters
The result meant disappointment in the Riyadh stadium. Reuters
Saudi fans were full of hope, particularly when the team won a penalty. AFP
Saudi fans were full of hope, particularly when the team won a penalty. AFP
But the spot kick was missed by Salem Al Dawsari. AFP
But the spot kick was missed by Salem Al Dawsari. AFP
Excitement turned to dejection as the fans watched the game slip away. AFP
Excitement turned to dejection as the fans watched the game slip away. AFP
Saudi Arabia were dominant yet not decisive, the better team for much of the game. AFP
Saudi Arabia were dominant yet not decisive, the better team for much of the game. AFP
A Saudi fan shows her disappointment. AFP
A Saudi fan shows her disappointment. AFP
Attempting to reach the knockouts for only the second time in six attempts, it now comes down to Mexico on Wednesday. AFP
Attempting to reach the knockouts for only the second time in six attempts, it now comes down to Mexico on Wednesday. AFP
Thousands turned out to watch the Poland game, riding a wave of positivity. AFP
Thousands turned out to watch the Poland game, riding a wave of positivity. AFP
Saudi Arabia controlled the first half hour and more, clearly buoyed by the Argentina triumph. AFP
Saudi Arabia controlled the first half hour and more, clearly buoyed by the Argentina triumph. AFP
The frustration of the players was felt by the fans. AFP
The frustration of the players was felt by the fans. AFP
Saudi Arabia fans show their colours with pride. Reuters
Saudi Arabia fans show their colours with pride. Reuters
The Poland match evoked a range of emotions. Reuters
The Poland match evoked a range of emotions. Reuters
The Poland match ultimately ended in disappointment, but Saudi Arabia can still qualify. Reuters
The Poland match ultimately ended in disappointment, but Saudi Arabia can still qualify. Reuters

World Cup

Excitement and despair as Saudi Arabia fans watch match with Poland - in pictures

Team were beaten 2-0 at Education City Stadium

The National

November 27, 2022

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More from The National:

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Kylian Mbappe sparkles as France reach World Cup knockout stage with victory over Denmark

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

Towering concerns
If you go

The flights

There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.

The trip

Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.

The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.

 

Updated: November 27, 2022, 7:40 AM`
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