Saudi striker rues draw

Published June 15, 2006

MUNICH, June 14: Saudi Arabia's record-breaking striker Sami Al Jaber struck what he thought was the winner before an injury-time Tunisian 2-2 equaliser on Wednesday but he insisted his team's World Cup hopes were still on track.

Al Jaber, who was struggling with a thigh injury before the match which threatened his participation in his fourth World Cup finals, was bitterly disappointed the Saudis had not taken all three points in Group H after his 84th minute goal.

“We were unlucky to let a goal in one minute before the end. Now we have one point. It is not the end of the competition for us. We have to work hard against Ukraine,” Al Jaber told reporters.

“I am still recovering (from the thigh injury) and I will do everything possible to recover to be ready for that match.”

Saudi midfielder Mohammed Ameen added: “Our second half performance will motivate us to play equally well against Ukraine.

“We are sure they will show another performance than they played against Spain today (losing 4-0).—Reuters

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