Saudi Arabia secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over North Macedonia in a friendly match held in Prague, Czech Republic. The encounter served as crucial preparation for both teams, with Saudi Arabia looking to fine-tune their tactics ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Key Takeaways

  • Saudi Arabia came from behind to secure the win.
  • The match was played at the FK Viktoria Stadion in Prague.
  • This friendly was part of Saudi Arabia’s international camp in preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Match Summary

Saudi Arabia emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline against North Macedonia. The match saw North Macedonia take the lead just before halftime with a goal from Aleksandar Trajkovoski. However, Saudi Arabia managed to equalize before the break and secured the winning goal in the latter stages of the second half through Abdullah Alhamddan.

Performance and Tactics

Saudi Arabia, aiming to build momentum for their World Cup qualifying campaign, dominated possession for large parts of the game. Despite creating several chances, they struggled to convert them until late in the match. North Macedonia adopted a compact defensive strategy, looking to disrupt Saudi Arabia’s rhythm and capitalize on counter-attacks. The friendly provided an opportunity for both coaching staffs to assess player performance and finalize tactical approaches.

Preparations for Future Competitions

For Saudi Arabia, this friendly was a vital part of their preparation for the upcoming October play-off fixtures for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Coach Hervé Renard utilized the match to test different player combinations and tactical setups. North Macedonia also used the game to gauge their readiness for their own upcoming matches.

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Venue and Atmosphere

The match took place at the FK Viktoria Stadion in Prague, which saw a good turnout from fans. The atmosphere was described as lively, with supporters from both nations contributing to the occasion.

Sources

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Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet is a 45-year-old journalist from the Balkans, best known for his dedication to telling stories that reflect the everyday lives of people in his region. Growing up in a small town in northern Bosnia, Emre always had an interest in local history and storytelling, which drew him to pursue a degree in journalism and communications at the University of Sarajevo. He wasn’t the top of his class, but his professors admired his practical approach and natural curiosity, qualities that would later define his career.