LiveBlog: Tunisia-Saudi Arabia

June 14th, 2006 | by: Peter |

It is the game you are waiting for. We’ll be LiveBlogging the full 90 of the Tunisia-Saudi Arabia match on June 14. Come in and join us by leaving your thoughts and comments while the match happens.

Final: Tunisia 2-2 Saudi Arabia

Full Time: The frantic feeling of the final ten minutes made this game worth the errant passes and sloppy football of the first half. After trailing 1-0 for most of the game, Saudi Arabia tied and then led the game 2-1 until the 92nd minute when a goal by Raidi Jaidi gave a slightly more athletic and skilled looking Tunisia a point instead of a loss. The final two minutes saw two decent chances for Saudi Arabia and it seemed like the game was just getting started as the final whistle blew.

94:00 Saudi Arabia gets Jaber alone on the right but he can’t get a shot off and the game ends with a peak of excitement. Can’t ask for more out of this game.

92:15 Raidi Jaidi heads a cross to the ground into the goal.

92:00 Goal Tunisia!

91:33 Replay confirms deflection.

90:27 SA free kick curls in and hits the post. Nice bend on that ball, possibly deflected.

89:00 If SA can hang on to this lead, this will be Saudi Arabia’s third win in WC play.

87:49 Tunisia nearly ties it with a 33 m strike that goes just high.

85:15 The special play worked. A three player, full length counter attack that left Al Jaber all alone on the left side. He finished from a ways out, booting it past the goalie as he came out of the box.

83:30 GOAL SAUDI ARABIA

80:05 Sideline cam shows SA drawing up a special play, no Arabic shouting heard.

78:48 Yellowcard for Tunisia’s Chikhaoui, free kick goes straight into the wall.

77:00 With the goal under their belt, SA looks like they want a win. Same can’t be said for Tunisia.

75:29 What exactly does squirting water on an injured player’s foot do for that player?

74:40 Noor off. Ameen on for SA.

73:36 Up close, slow-mo shot of a water bottle applying water to the goalie’s foot looks semi-pornographic.

72:08 Zaid the goalie can’t keep his feet and it looks like he’s out. Back up goalie coming in. Anybody know anything about him?

71:00 Back heel pass looks tricky and SA trips up their own goalie.

69:06 Looks like it’s going to be “who can Not make a mistake” for the last 20 minutes.

67:00 Al Temyat off, Al Hawsawi in.

65:35 SA team now earning the label “scrappy” at WC Blog.

63:07 Good tackle by SA defense.

60:56 Al Temwat nutmegs a T defender and gets a shot off. Then three decent shots blocked, the last making it through to the keeper.

58:02 I thought SA might put together the combination of passes and positioning to get one in, but for it to be a first class goal like that really makes this game for me. One bit of difference on any part of that play and we’ve got another blown SA opportunity.

56:40 One touch pass to Mohammed Noor who pops it straight up over the goalie. Great shot, great pass, great goal.

56:24 GOAL SAUDI ARABIA!

54:38 Bouazizi out, Nafti in.

52:40 More bounce in the Saudi legs right now. Too bad their skills aren’t as refined as their oil.

51:08 Free kick for SA reasonably close to the top left corner.

50:09 SA looks like Brazil all of the sudden.

47:44 Looks like Saudi Arabia got their heads straight at half time. Their D’s not looking better but they’re getting realistic chances.

46:09 Saudi Arabia with a shot from 2 meters out! That looked hard to miss!

I just looked up for a second and it was a wide angle, but I think I saw the second world cup streaker to make it to TV this year. We’ve witnessed history everyone.

Half Time: Tunisia is outplaying Saudi Arabia but the Saudi’s picked up their game in response. One wheeling, midair goal from Jiziri has Tunisia up 1-0 and in control, but the right combination of counterattack, luck, and skill could bring Saudi Arabia back. 45 more minutes when we come back.

45:00 T putting one player downfield and assuming he can take two or three defenders. They’re almost right.

44:29 SA gets a shot off that sails wide.

43:17 SA and Tun. getting extracurricular on consecutive balls. I’m hearing some arabic from both sides.

42:16 SA player gets his toes crunched with some cleats. The slow motion replay makes me want to put on steel toed boots.

41:00 SA just can’t seem to get a pass at a good angle to a player in the right place. Jazizi goes down momentarily but stays in.

40:00 SA with a chance to break open at midfield, is tripped up.

38:19 Corner kick by Tunisia gets the goalie involved and the counterattacks have the camera moving like a tennis match.

36:15 Riad Bhouazizi rushes out of the wall too early and gets booked. (He also earns a world cup blog foul for having hair like D. Hasselhof)

33:42 SA’s Omar Al Ghamdi takes a flying leap onto the back of a Tunisia player. A few plays later, Karim haggui drags down Khaled and gets the first yellow card of the match. Kind of a drought compared to the rest of the tournament games so far.

32:00 SA’s counter attack is not that dangerous, if I were on Tunisia I would be trying to score 6 goals today.

30:22 SA’s got this “kick it around in front of Tunisia and let them take it away” thing down.

28:02 Jaziri making runs and cutting at good angles. He’s trying to win the golden boot in one game.

25:21 Jaziri nearly takes the whole team. Looks like that goal got his confidence up. He was definetly tripped and the T coach is talking to the ref about it.

23:32 A Tunisia free kick pinballs off of two SA players and Zied Jaziri wheels around to put it in in the air.

22:55 Goal Tunisia!

20:06 This throw in count is a lot less relevant than I thought. Aside from the sloppy passes and erratic play the game has really picked up. SA counterattack fruitless.

18:44 An elbow to the back of the neck gives SA a free cross from the left side. They almost turn it into something but it’s Tunisia on the counterattack. namouchi goes down at midfield. He’s OK. throw in count 2.

17:50 SA stringing some passes together. Throw in count at 1.

16:30 3rd(or so) consecutive corner.

15:12 Free kick deflected by Tunisia and its an SA corner. Corner was well placed but right at a Tunisian. One more corner.

13:20 I’m going to start a throw-in count. I can’t guarantee that it will be perfectly accurate but it will be close from here on out. Free kick for SA from about 40 m.

11:55 A lot of missed passes and balls that won’t stay trapped.

10:04 SA gets close on a header after a throw-in. I kind of want them to score first and
put the pressure on the (at least so far) slightly better Tunisia.

8:30 Corner for Tunisia after a well placed cross is headed out. The cross meets with the same result after a bounce on the ground, looks like he was trying to hit the low corner.

7:00 Tunisia attacks down the left side and sends the ball straight into the leg of a flying Saudi. Not seeing much to write home about so far.

5:52 Decent pass from SA’s Sulimani after some comically bad fakes.

4:32 Looks like they have the B-squad operating the cameras tonight, we’ve got kind of a shake going.

3:08 Tunisia looking more athletic and more skilled. No surprises so far.

01:41 SA gets a take down on what would have been an open goal but the ref just shakes his finger.

00:45 First ball sent back the other way by the keeper.

00:00 Lets go Saudi’s. Give em hell Tunisia.

Saudi Arabia dropped Tunisia’s pregame gift. At least it wasn’t the keeper.

Anthems. Tunisia’s is catchy, like a little march, Saudi Arabia’s is traditional.

Saudi Arabia’s presenting their pregame trinket to Tunisia still in its plastic packaging.

Tunisia looks sharp in their all white kits. Maybe pristine is a better word… or Pure.

Looks like the fans are out in force at Marienplatz in Munich. I was there trying to watch the opening game and they hadn’t finished building the giant screen yet! I ended up watching in a shoe store and on a 1970’s TV with color problems on the street in front of a bar. I know I know, poor me, stuck at the World Cup while you toil away in your office, but I only got to see two of the 6 goals in that game.

30 min to game time and I really want this match to live up to the excitement of last game. Maybe Villa and Torres feel like suiting up?

I’m not trying to take anything from Tunisia or Saudi Arabia, I just really enjoyed that game.

My watch has 62 minutes to game time. Right now I’m enjoying a slow motion feature on Fernando Torres in German. I’m hearing German words like “artiste” and “vunderhungun-righteous” anyone else watching what I’m watching and want to translate?

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

http://www.worldcupblog.org/game-previews/preview-tunisia-vs-saudi-arabia.html Preview: Tunisia vs. Saudi Arabia – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] LIVEBLOG Follow the match highlights as they happen on the Tunisia vs. Saudi Arabia LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match [...]
Kevin

BRING ON THE NEXT GAME.. yeeeeeeeeeeeeeah
Dave

This game is not that mouth watering, just want to see goals!! hopefully 3-3, that way we see 6 goals and its a good result for Ukraine.
On that note, well played Spain!
http://SocialistAlbania Enver Hoxha

PEOPLE SOCIALIST OF ALBANIA….. Uorld Cup Champion next time.
http://tunisia.worldcupblog.org Bessam

Tunisia is ready!
Dave

last world cup Saudia Arabia lost 8-0 in their first game, they will be keen to get their campaign off to a better start. both sides after seeing Ukraine, will know a win here is setting them in the right track for a pathway to the 2nd round……and the way Group G played maybe even a chance at the semi finals!
Viatche

Did you know that Tunisia contains the northern most point of Africa, ad we still don’t know where it is. I’m for the guy who said, 3-3. More goals the better, only when your not in the cage!
Honeyman

Tunisia 3 SA 1

Book it.
Ali Siddiqui

Hmmm this’ll be fun…you what was even more fun? I actually got to see the France and the Brazil matches yesterday…on a TV! WHOO! But not today..*sigh*

Still love to see how it goes. I predict 2-1 lead for Saudi with a chance that perhaps Tunisia will get an equalizer in the 2nd half. 2-2 tie? I think so!
Honeyman

I’m going out on a limb and saying the first goal will be scored by someone whose name ends in “i”.
djgooner

something i wrote on the preview page…and should have been here…

how much do people know about saudis…currently they have the asian player of the year…Al montashari…the al itihad club has won the asian champions league 2 years in a row…and zaid being considered one of the better goal keepers in asia…(and is starting today) and the comment about korea being better than saudi…go back to the qualifying round and see the results…saudi were undefeated in the qualifying second phase beating korea both home and away… and conceded only 1 goal in that phase..saudi 2 – 0 tunisia….

PS after a very poor asia cup in 2004…saudi have built a new spirited young team with some veterans still around….this is the best saudi team since 94….another note about saudi…they have reached the final of the asia cup 5 times in a row winning 3 times…
Dave

less then 15 Minutes to go, and noyhing doing here, not even from our esteemed blogger!
Goals Please!?
Jen

Does it matter that the Tunisia keep is 40?

I’m going to say Tunisia 2-1.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Is this the first-ever WC match between to Arabic-speaking countries? Or between two Muslim countries?
http://www.worldcupblog.org/wcb-team-member-peter/ Peter

It is definetly the first at THIS world cup.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

I missed two matches. The Brazil match, which I heard wasnt all that good (or at least not as good as expected). And I missed the Spain match, which by the score looks like it had some action on the field. Spain is a pretty good team I suppose.

(my exam was definetely not worth, missing the Brazil match.. :( )

GO SAUDI ARABIA!!!!!!

I expect Tunisia 4 KSA 0…

GO SAUDIAAAA!! YOU CAN DO IT!! Dont let ‘em go beyond 4!!

Salam
ETucker

I think Tunisia will win 1-0. I love their first touch collective play, but Saudi Arabia is well organized and will be tough to break down.
http://talksportsnow.blogspot.com Richard

I wish I had my ESPN 360 at work so I can watch the World Cup at work !!!
hoa

Tunisia is looking goood!
http://talksportsnow.blogspot.com Richard

Tune into our podcast for some interesting World Cup news:

http://www.talksportsnow.blogspot.com
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Look out for Number 10, the “Baby Maradona” of Saudi football, Mohammad el-Shalhoub. He can run, he can score, he can excite. But can the Saudis keep from humiliating themselves the way they did in an 8-0 loss to Germany four years ago, where they didn’t win a match? They didn’t lose a game in qualifiers, but they had an easy time of it against teams like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kuwait. The Sons of the Desert are going to need more than luck to pull it off.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Peter,

Well, yeah. But here’s my reasoning:

For two Arabic countries to play, an Asian and African team would have to land in the same group. That wasn’t possible until at least 1994.

In fact, I just answered my question. No, it isn’t. KSA played Morocco in ‘94. So there ya go.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

nice pattern of light on the turf
Ali Siddiqui

Wonderful Mohan. Nice to see you keeping an eye on the “game”. Hahaha :D
Ali Siddiqui

This’ll be the only game I can see for today…I got classes at 3pm which is when Germany plays Poland :(
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

10 Minutes in, we see a Tunisian offensive line that’s better organized than Saudi’s, which has been non-existent so far, but we also see some spotty defending on Tunisia’s part when they’re facing what Saudis can muster by way of attacks. Saudis can score on Tunisian mistakes; Tunisia can score on its sheer strength.
Sam

I’m hoping for a solid Tunisian win, both because I like Tunisia itself (worked there several summers), and because we need a strong African team doing well this WC.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Ali.. same here. I wont be able to catch the German-Poland match. :( I was hoping to catch all of Germanys matches. (Considering its one of the teams I expect to win the cup)

salam.
kyle

I think overall that brazil will loose and germany will come back to be champeans yet again
sergio

i also hope tunisia will win..
frankly saudi society ****** me….but lets leave it at that..
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Will Poland beat Germany? That would be fun…can’t wait to see the reaction on German faces :)
Ronaldo

I’m so fat now, the only team I could possibly score against would be Saudi Arabia.

Even the goal posts move more than I do now, and I’d still score against saudi.

Lucky Tunisia, easy game.

SOEMONE FEED ME!
matthew

Tunisia Homey Dance?
Ali Siddiqui

I feel your pain Blah-Me!

I think so too kyle with the way Brazil was playing against Croatia yesterday was good enough of an indicator that perhaps this time there will no WC Trophy for the Brazilians this time around.

I have high hopes for England though (of course disregarding their fiasco with Paraguay).
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Tunisia is expected to win and also qualify from this group
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Peter.. Saudia has had 3 corners so far. And Tunisia 1.

Salam.
Ali Siddiqui

Speaking of the Homey Dance I actually got to see it!! I saw the replay of it yesterday at my Barber’s place it was awesome….*tears up*
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Before you write off England and Brazil, know that with this game everyone will have played exactly ONCE. Everyone (except the Czechs and Spanish) has looked a little tight and had the opening day jitters. Oh, and the Americans and Ukrainians sucked.

Let’s wait for England-Sweden and Brazil-Australia before we write those two off.
Griff

al tunis should win this,but saudi is just playing better!!
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Don’t believe the stupid well-meaning commentators: The Saudi teram may have renovated its hotel in Germany to make it seem as if they’re abiding by their Taliban-rules against drinking and carousing, but take it from an old Beiruti: When Saudis travel, they party raunchy and rich. Many a Lebanese lady of the night has afforded herself a few payments on her BMW thanks to Saudi lust unbound. Germany’s “sex parkings” will have a field day with more than a few Saudis.
sergio

anyone writing off brazil is crazy..

england on the other hand looked pretty bad and their coach worse…
Sam

Phew!!!
Griff

wow spoke to soon, nice shot from tunisia
hoa

What a goal!!!! more to come I guess.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

GOOOOAAALLL!!!

Thats 3 more to go Tunisia!!

Salam.
Ali Siddiqui

Oooh goal! Now that should jump start the real game. Too much pinballing so far.
brian34

Saudi Arabia deserves to lose. How can they not play Al Shlhoub? Another great world cup managing job.
Laudrup

I wonder when the Saudis will learn that money don’t buy football talent…
Ali Siddiqui

Wait they aren’t playing their star player?! I thought the reason they got into the WC was due to him!
Roland

Unable to watch this one, unfortunately. Damn employment. Why can’t I get paid to watch the cup?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

i missed that goal…was it good?
Kevin

update score at top
Sam

Laudrup, you think the Americans will learn the same thing?
Ali Siddiqui

Hahaha! At Roland you’ll have this keeping you happy while your at work. I got to be in class during the Germany – Poland game!
Ali Siddiqui

Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater please update the score up top!! :D
ETucker

Dude, Saudi Arabia looks like the U.S. (only slightly better technically)
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“Why can’t I get paid to watch the cup?”

Grab a tape recorder. Record yourself fake-broadcasting a game. Send tape to ESPN. Voila, you’ll have a job commentating.

Honestly, a dead stump could do these games better than what they’ve thrown on TV. Heck, I’d take Keith Jackson right now, even with his senility. Or maybe they can dump Howard Cosell’s voice in a computer and create Robo-Howard. That would be fun.
Honeyman

Who scored? Does he have an “i” at the end of his name? Why isn’t the score updated?

(Peter isn’t having a great game.)
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

Saud isn’t being outplayed as it was in the first 15 minutes of the game, and now it’s become a game of errors on both sides. But neither side is taking advantage. The pace, minute after minute, has slowed. These two teams speak the same language–and play the same language too. More goals coming, by default rather than design.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Who did Saudi play with to qualify?

Salam.
ed0025

It does make the work day go by quicker!!
Sam

JAZIRI Zied scored
hoa

Good yellow there!
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Honeyman… scored by Jaziri

:P

Salam.
Ali Siddiqui

Both seem to be playing a very confused set up. Saudi side isn’t playing their star player (from what I can tell) and the Tunisian side isn’t taking advantage of the mistakes that the Saudis are making. This is gonna be a slooooooow game.
http://worldcupblog.org shubham

does anyone know the url for pptv to watch cup live
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

ooo.. first yellow!!

Salam.
Ali Siddiqui

Hahahaha! My girlfriend is yelling at me…I’m more interested in that WC photo up top with the lady in pink then following the game right now. :D
Bill

Yes, but they are Germany…Hasselhoff hair will make him beloved…
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Ali..there are more of them..pretty girls :)
Ali Siddiqui

Mohan please don’t tempt me. She’s cutting an apple with a very sharp fruit knife…I’d like to see the Finals with my body still intact and not in a hospital. :p
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

http://static.flickr.com/54/167128741_07b5c54581.jpg

that’s for ur eyes only Ali :)
Ali Siddiqui

Aw, Mohan! I love baby blue! :D
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

which team does she support? i wonder…
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Blah-Me:

Here is the entire AFC qualification from Wikipedia. Apparently Saudi finished atop a final group including Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait, obviously with KSA and Korea qualifying and Uzbekistan losing to Bahrain (other AFC 3rd place) in a playoff.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

mohan:

Who says Ukraine had a bad day today?
ETucker

Mohan-

good pic. But why does the cute girl always have to have the ugly friend that 1) has the crush on you which 2) ruins your chance with the cute girl.

i’m all for aesthetic segregation whenever possible…
http://www.pierretristam.com Total Football

So, at the half, we have a fun start to a promising game that gave us a couple of flashy plays worthy of a muezzin’s celebration, but after that Tunisian goal we’ve been treated to a game of errors, choppiness and totally absent finishes. How many shots on goal this whole match? Six, and just three in the Meccan vicinities that count. Hopefully they’ll spend some of their half-time imbibing a couple of capuccinos.
Ali Siddiqui

I think with those colours she’s either a supporter of Sweden or the Ukraine…my money is on Ukraine.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Tun.?? Lol.. I think thats first one so far cut short.

Boring first half.. *yawn*
Ali Siddiqui

ETucker, so cruel yet so funny! :D
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Ali, mohan:

It’s Ukraine, the scarf has the federation logo and says Ukraine in Cyrillic letters. A Sweden scarf would just say “SVERIGE”. No Cyrillic letters. :)
Ali Siddiqui

Whoo I was right!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Hey! I just watched the replay of that goal (missed it live)…it was spectacular..will go down among top 5 of the WC i think
Ali Siddiqui

The chinese channels seem to have this cool virtual goal thingy…
matthew

totally off the subject of this game but…
i just read the new sports illustrated and they suggest a US football chant, since we don’t have one. they actually came up with a really funny one:

We are the Yankee’s!
We are not afriad!
You beat us tonight!
Thursday, we invade!
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Thanx Philip. I dint watch the matches. Though they dint have much competition. But the 2 – 0 win against Korea is impressive.

Luck works in mysterious ways?

The Saudi team in general has been an embarassing one. I cheer on them out of a sense of patriotism(i dunno if theres another word), having provided shelter for me for 20 years.

Salam.
Ali Siddiqui

This match has become so boring we’re going so off topic now! I do say I’m liking that picture of the Beer Maiden. ;p
zé

Oh great. My cable TV has just died and I can’t see the game.

Is Francileudo playing for Tunisa? No, right? Still injured?
Ali Siddiqui

Welcome back Zé!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

they had the beer babe on this page yesterday…so distracting :)
Ali Siddiqui

Hahahaha. I think I envy the WCB team being at those fan events. Grrrrrr!
Maura

Matthew that’s great. Too bad certain people might actually take it seriously.
Ali Siddiqui

Yay! They’re back on the field. *rummages through photo section*
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

ze.. no, I dont think he is playing.

Salam.
Trav

My sole purpose and being for the tournament has been leading up to the next match. Go Poland!!
Ali Siddiqui

Hmmm. Streakers seem to be getting through quite alot lately first yesterday then today…FIFA Security must be embarrased.
Ali Siddiqui

http://www.a7lakalam.com/worldcup2006/tv1.htm

Anyone who doesn’t mind listening to Chinese but still want to watch the game.
Kevin

This picture does not look right…

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/match/16/photos.html?i=5&d=1
Ali Siddiqui

And they look all serious too…don’t want to know what occurs in the locker room! O_o
ETucker

Blah-me

its refreshing to see the antithesis of the Fair Weather Fan!

dont worry, your suffering now will make futre success that much sweeter! (Just like in the US 98 made 02 that much better)
Ali Siddiqui

Anyone else disappointed by the Brazil game? Ronaldo was so yesterday! It Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho and Kaka this year!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41766000/jpg/_41766466_jaziri416.jpg

that’s the spectacular goal
hoa

Saudi can score, poeple!! wait and see
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

haha.. Thanx for those very uplifting words Etucker.

You know, its a pretty clean match so far. Only 2 yellow cards so far. And none for Saudi so far.

That was the first substitution so far. A very slow unexciting game so far. *sigh*
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

36 goals from first 16 matches…pretty good going
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Peter!! :o What makes you see “Brazil” in this team?!
hoa

What a goalllllllllllllll, GO Saudiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

1-1 ..great equaliser !
Ali Siddiqui

Wow…it’s already been 16 matches? Time flies by so fast these days.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

it should get interesting now
Ali Siddiqui

Goal!? Wow.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!

*cries a stream*

:o :o I knew they could do it!!! :o :o

I’m soooo proud of you Kahtani!!! :D

ooooo.. I’m loving this match now!!!

GO SAUDI ARABIA!!!
Ali Siddiqui

Finally, looks like they finally got into the pace of the game.
Ali Siddiqui

In the top right corner…couldn’t believe the goalie missed that! Good passing and good shooting! :D Finally, the blood is pumping in the players on both sides.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

both the goals have been world class
Stuart

Argh! That’s the 2nd time I’ve missed the goal…dman this work thing, I keep toggling away from the stream at the wrong time (I must qualify for a raise or something).
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

That was goal was something to be proud of!! AHAN AHAN!!

*does a little Togo Homie dance*
hoa

WOwowowo, man the saudis played like Brazil, what a style!!
pf

KSA just got dangerous. Nice change of pace!
Griff

can’t blame the goalie ali, that was a point blank shot
hoa

Tunisia felt asleep after their first goal.
Ali Siddiqui

HAHAHA! Oh Stuart! If only your bosses knew that you were working with a live stream of the game running. :D
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

its getting faster and faster now
Ali Siddiqui

I agree Griff. But still…blame the defenders! :D *grabs pitchfork and torch*
ETucker

Tunisia is not respecting the Saudis, who finished ahead of Korea in qualifying.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Saudi looks much better than they did four years ago.

Africa’s five seem to be snakebit. All have played better than expected, but they just can’t seem to must a win so far.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

If someone can get a replay of that Saudi goal.. please let me in on it. I wanna see it again. :(
Razzle

If SA wins this … is this going to be their first victory at the World Cup? How about Tunisia?
Ali Siddiqui

http://www.a7lakalam.com/worldcup2006/tv1.htm
hoa

Saudi got their world cup win before I think! but it was a very long long time ago.
Trav

Blah-Me, the FIFA site has a great highlight section under the video tab that is very well done. There is a two minute highlight of each game. An extra bonus is that there is no crappy play-by-play during the highlight.
Ali Siddiqui

I agree Hoa. I think it was back in the WC that was hosted by the US?
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

This would be the Saudi’s first win. Tunisia had a good run back in the 70s — 1978 I think — when they got out of the first round. They haven’t won a game since.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Blah-me:

FIFA’s WC site will have highlights after the game. http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/
pf

DW…

According to ABC’s (and ESPN) comentators, “…Trinidad and Tobago, one of the African nations in this cup…” seems to be doing well.

So as you see, if you follow ESPN, then what you said is somewhat inaccurte, however, if you follow reality, sadly you are right on.

Heheheheeeh :-)
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Actually, Ali Siddiqui is right. Saudi won two games in 1994 before bowing out to Sweden.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Well, under this presidency, the US hasn’t exactly been following reality.

And that’s my one political statement for the entire cup.
Ali Siddiqui

I think everyone including commentators put down the African nations too readily. I mean T&T played very well against Sweden. Even Angola against the mythical Portugal.
ammar

Screw Yall..

SAUDI LOOKING GOOD!!
Ali Siddiqui

73:36 Up close, slow-mo shot of a water bottle applying water to the goalie’s foot looks semi-pornographic.

**So very wrong….
ammar

GO SAUDI….

SAUDI ALL THE WAY!!
Maura

Ali the point was that T&T is a Carribbean nation.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Found it.

Saudi Arabia were the champions in 1989 WC hosted by Scotland.
Ali Siddiqui

Whoops!! Maura you got me…I wasn’t thinking straight for a moment there…sorry. My girlfriend is stuffing apples down my throat so I kinda choked as I was typing. *minor blackout*
brian34

does anybody think Australia can beat Brazil? If Kewell was %100, they would definitely have a better chance.
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

I had had the same question forever… maybe it’s magic water
http://www.estoescostarica.com
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

My bet today is 1-1 so I’m fine so far!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

1-1 is a fair result
Michael

Nice game! Love the effort!
Ali Siddiqui

Khitani is off for Jabar
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Saudi – 2 ..they are all praying !
Sam

Darn…. Oh well, poor Africa
Griff

AL JABER!!!! GOALLLLLLL
Sam

There was no Tunisia defence. What happened?
pf

Perhaps this is what people mean when they say the see Brazil’s style (not that I agree).

Phenomenal team work, one that the best teams of the world pride themselves in (hence, seeing Brazil!) ;)
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

GOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!!

Al Jaber!! AMAZING or what?!

Its a MIRACLE before my eyes!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

This is a big upset !
Ali Siddiqui

Wow Jaber come on and gets a goal immediately!! That is phenomenal thinking by the coach!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Wow.

I totally thought that the Saudis were wooden spoon material, but they just plain outwilled Tunisia.
Griff

Tunisia is pissed watch out, theres a lot of extra time
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

SA could qualify if they beat Ukraine !
Ali Siddiqui

Fine attacks now by Tunisia.
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!! This World Cup is not helping my finance!!!!
http://www.estoescostarica.com
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

As for the WC.. Saudi won one match each in ‘98 and ‘02 and two matches in ‘94

(Oh I just notcied.. the previous championship was for under 17)
pf

Is it just me or does anyone else feel that there was a lot of footie, but no hat tricks? Seems like neither of the teams believes in air play!
Sam

YAYYYY!!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

what a finish !! fair one too !
Griff

WOW!!! This has been one of the best games of the worldcup
pf

Never mind my last post!!

ehheeheh
pf

Never mind my last post!!

hehheeheh
Sam

Whew! These guys are good when their backs are against the wall, eh?
Ali Siddiqui

No air balls today!
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

SHIIITTT!!

Tunisia did it!!
Ali Siddiqui

Equalizer!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

agree 100% with Griff
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Saudi had no wins and one draw in ‘98, zero wins in 2002 (and that 8-0 crushing by Germany).
Ali Siddiqui

Oooh time for Golden Goals!!! :D
Griff

Congrats to both teams, for a stunning game
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

GOOOOOOOD GAME!!
Some1

OMG … SA should have won!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

This has been a ferocious game. Good to actually see two teams fight for the win instead of the one-goal-and-keepaway we’ve seen so much this round.
Maura

Ali no Golden Goal because it’s group play :-( A tie still earns each team 1 point.
Michael

BEST GAME OF THE FIRST ROUND THUS FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin

i can’t believe i missed that game
Ali Siddiqui

Awwww no fun! You’re right again Maura! Wow your catching me off all of my details. >_
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

That extra time was so unnecessary!! :@

Not needed at all!!
hoa

This is the best game in this Cup so far, at least the second half!! The Saudi deserved a win, but two teams played well. Tunisia controlled the first half, and the Saudi the second.
Ali Siddiqui

Good back and forth pace of the game. I really dug this game! Really exciting! I guess no one expected that happening with these two.
Bill

Is is just me, or does the Tunisian Keeper not seem to be that strong?
Matt

DANG IT, I took an “early” lunch to watch the first half but got bored!!! I wish I could find some audio online for the world cup. Anyone???
hoa

Agree with Michael. This is the best game. This is what I liked about under-rated teams, they gave all they have.
Ali Siddiqui

Never underestimate the underdogs! Then it’s no fun! :D
http://www.mobillo.com/mobillo the one

mmm, delicious. best game so far !

both teams played better than brasil.
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Matt..

http://clients.mediaondemand.net/theSun/?Channel=1

(Compliments to Mike)
Ali Siddiqui

Oooh a tad late their Blah-Me…
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Lol.. sorry Ali.

I was having a look at some of the shots of the games.

:P
Matt

THANK YOU SO MUCH Blah-Me! Looking foward to hopefully hearing the Germany-Poland game.
Ali Siddiqui

LOL no problem at least this’ll help me when the chinese channel dies on me
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

GoodLuck Matt. And have fun.

I’m too depressed to even comment. I dont get to listen to the Germany match.
Ali Siddiqui

I feel your Blah-Me….:(
http://blue2rose.blogspot.com Blah-Me

Chinese commentary is annoying!!

Chee cho Chang choo cheee!!

The only thing I liked was the way they said Saha’s name.

“Saaaahha!”
Mcthingy2

What a fun game. You could always rely on North African countries to bore the pants off you — no more it seems. Tunisia showed great heart coming back at the end and the Saudis played excellent in the second half. What a World Cup (apart from France, England and USA playing horrible).
Ali Siddiqui

LOL :D
Maura

sorry Ali i don’t mean to be obnoxious. i mean, i’m sad too.
Mcthingy2

Al Jaber is still a fantastic player. Maybe he should come on for the last 30 mins of every game.
http://sassan.blogspot.com Sassan

Best game ever sooooo far ;)

It was more exciting than the Brazilian game, and I was sad that Saudi Arabia didnt win :(

Oh well I hope they beat the next team.
Ahamed

If you are in Saudi Arabia, watch the match on Saudi TV3
http://www.worldcupblog.org/daily-wrap-up/june-14-the-daily-world-cup-wrap.html June 14: The Daily World Cup Wrap – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia | LiveBlog | Tunisia World Cup Gear, Saudi Arabia World Cup Gear [...]