A group-stage exit in 1998 had been a sobering lesson. Saudi Arabia returned in 2002 with renewed purpose. Under Nasser Al-Johar, they were ready to write the next chapter.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 10 | 7 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12 | -12 | 0 |
It was a tournament to forget for Saudi Arabia, who left without a single victory to their name. Goals proved hard to come by, with just 0 in 3 matches, and their lack of firepower ultimately told.
Saudi Arabia found the group stage unforgiving, unable to pick up a single victory against their opponents. Their campaign featured a heavy 0-8 defeat to Germany, a narrow 0-1 loss to Cameroon, and a heavy 0-3 defeat to Republic of Ireland. The World Cup dream ended earlier than hoped, with Saudi Arabia bowing out in the first round.
3lost
0scored12conceded
Failed to score a single goal lost all 3 matches.
The tactical mind behind Saudi Arabia's 2002 campaign. Winless under Al-Johar leading Saudi Arabia at his first World Cup.
Despite their best efforts, Saudi Arabia struggled to find consistency under Al-Johar's leadership. The team opted for a 4-3-2 formation but ultimately found themselves overwhelmed by the might of European opponents.
