Germany 2006 will be the fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup finals for Saudi Arabia.
The Saudis beat the 2002 tournament Korea Republic twice enroute to their undeafeated run that extended to 12 wins in the initial phase of the qualification round.
After their poor display in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, Saudi Arabia cameback strongly in the final round of Asian qualifiers.
Beating Uzbekistan at home ensured the Saudis of a place in the 2006 tournament.
Saudi Arabia, who have been the Asian champions thrice (1984, 1988 and 1996), qualified for their first FIFA World Cup finals at USA 94.
USA 94 was a good outing for the Saudis and they advanced to the second round after beating Morocco and Belgium in the group stage.
But the next to two outing at France 98 and Korea/Japan 2002 were not at all memorable for Saudi Arabia as they failed to win even a single game.
Coached by former Argentine international Gabriel Calderon, who introduced an attacking style, the Saudis can hope to advance into the second round for the second time. Even at USA 94 Saudi Arabia were coached by an Argentine Jorge Solari.
The players to watch out for would be Al Jaber and Yasser Al Qahtani, who is the most expensive player of the country following his $10million transfer to Al Hilal.
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