Match story
- Saudi Arabia fired more attempts (13 vs 7 shots).
- Croatia was more accurate in front of goal (29% on target vs 8%).
- Croatia held more of the ball (58% possession).
Croatia defeated Saudi Arabia 0-1 in Friendlies. The fixture is part of the Friendlies 1 stage in the 2022 season. The match was played at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. Adham Makhadmeh officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Saudi Arabia vs Croatia meeting in Friendlies with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Saudi Arabia and Croatia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
FriendliesRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Croatia defeated Saudi Arabia 0-1 in Friendlies. The fixture is part of the Friendlies 1 stage in the 2022 season. The match was played at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. Adham Makhadmeh officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Saudi Arabia vs Croatia meeting in Friendlies with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Saudi Arabia and Croatia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Friendlies
Matthias Jaissle, Eddie Howe's replacement at Newcastle United, might not be too well known given that his only head coaching roles to date have been in Austria and Saudi Arabia. So who is the man arriving to take charge at St James' Park?
New head coach Matthias Jaissle says he "fully and unreservedly" believes in the Newcastle United project. The club have confirmed the 38-year-old's immediate appointment following the departure of Eddie Howe last month. Jaissle joins from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, where he lead the club to back-to-back AFC Champions League title, having previously been in charge at RB Salzburg for two seasons, securing the Austrian Bundesliga twice and also the Austrian Cup once.
While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad's summer recruitment strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo has unexpectedly found himself connected to one of the biggest transfer stories involving one of Al-Nassr’s fiercest Saudi Pro League rivals. While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad’s summer recruitment strategy. The latest move has raised eyebrows across the league, especially as Al-Ittihad moved quickly to strengthen its squad while Al-Nassr is still waiting to complete its first major signing of the transfer window. Ronaldo’s investment outside Saudi Arabia has now played an indirect role in helping one of the club’s biggest domestic competitors. Al-Ittihad has officially completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria, making him the club’s first overseas arrival of the summer transfer window. According to reports from Al-Riyadiah and several other outlets, the 24-year-old signed a long-term contract after the Tigers agreed to pay approximately $15 million, with the transfer fee scheduled to be paid in installments. The deal also reportedly includes a 10% sell-on clause in favor of Almeria should Lopy be transferred again in the future. The Tigers’ midfield is under the Black Panther’s command 🇸🇳🐅 pic.twitter.com/wDtEPNLc6U— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 The Saudi club confirmed the transfer through an announcement on its official social media channels, although it did not disclose the financial details. Ronaldo’s Almeria investment creates unexpected link The transfer carries an unusual twist because Almeria is partially owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish club, expanding his soccer portfolio while continuing his playing career with Al-Nassr. That investment means one of Ronaldo’s clubs has now completed a profitable sale to Al-Ittihad, a direct Saudi Pro League rival that continues to challenge Al-Nassr for domestic honors. The timing has attracted attention because Al-Ittihad has already secured its first major foreign signing, while Al-Nassr has yet to bring in a new player during the current transfer window. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC The Senegal international joins Al-Ittihad following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a deeper central role. His versatility is expected to provide additional balance in midfield as the club prepares for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. Since arriving at Almeria from Stade Reims in 2023, Lopy made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing six assists across all competitions. Tansfer that benefits everyone The midfielder built a reputation in Spain through his physical presence, defensive awareness and ability to recover possession. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured regularly in midfield while also contributing going forward with three goals and two assists in league competition. Statistical reports highlighted his impact in defensive situations, including strong numbers for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerial duels. His passing range also made him an attractive option for a possession-based side looking to strengthen its midfield. From the Land of Teranga 🇸🇳 to the Tigers’ Den 🐅 pic.twitter.com/9qz0cG9wQO— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 For Al-Ittihad, the signing addresses an important gap left by Fabinho’s departure while adding an experienced international midfielder entering
German officially announced as Howe’s successor‘This an incredibly compelling place to be’Matthias Jaissle has described Newcastle “as an incredibly compelling place to be” after finally formalising his managerial move from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli.The 38-year-old German has been with his new players at their training camp in La Manga, southern Spain, since last Saturday but, despite also falling under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Al-Ahli took time to provide Newcastle with some vital paperwork regarding the release of a head coach they were extremely reluctant to lose. Continue reading...
Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic says the club "count on me" despite being linked with a move away this summer. Reports suggest Serie A sides Juventus and former club Inter Milan are interested in taking the Croatia international back to Italy. The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium and is yet to be offered a new deal.
Mateo Kovacic is a player who could be an important squad member for Manchester City next season. The Croatian international is an experienced midfielder and that could be vital to Enzo Maresca’s sq...
Santi Denia, who was a LaLiga winner in his playing days and coached Spain to Olympic gold in 2024, has taken charge of Czechia. The post Czechia make Denia their first foreign coach after World Cup failure appeared first on SoccerNews.
From the beginning of the PIF takeover, Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) have put the brakes on Newcastle's ambitions to spend. The Magpies welcomed the new Financial Fair Play rules - the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR), which are now in effect - and, in short, mean the more you generate, the more you can spend. On top of that, in April, the PIF withdrew its multibillion dollar backing of LIV Golf after Yasir Al-Rumayyan - the fund's governor and chairman of Newcastle - confirmed it was reviewing its deals and investments.
Howe leaves after five years in charge at St James’ ParkAl-Ahli’s German coach in line to take over Eddie Howe has left Newcastle after losing control of transfers and is set to be replaced by the German coach Matthias Jaissle, who is in charge of the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.Although the timing of Howe’s abrupt departure following almost five years in charge at St James’ Park is unexpected, his position had been uncertain for some time. He is understood to have told Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners he wanted to leave more than a fortnight ago and the parting is said to be “amicable”. Continue reading...
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
Matthias Jaissle, Eddie Howe's replacement at Newcastle United, might not be too well known given that his only head coaching roles to date have been in Austria and Saudi Arabia. So who is the man arriving to take charge at St James' Park?
New head coach Matthias Jaissle says he "fully and unreservedly" believes in the Newcastle United project. The club have confirmed the 38-year-old's immediate appointment following the departure of Eddie Howe last month. Jaissle joins from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, where he lead the club to back-to-back AFC Champions League title, having previously been in charge at RB Salzburg for two seasons, securing the Austrian Bundesliga twice and also the Austrian Cup once.
While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad's summer recruitment strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo has unexpectedly found himself connected to one of the biggest transfer stories involving one of Al-Nassr’s fiercest Saudi Pro League rivals. While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad’s summer recruitment strategy. The latest move has raised eyebrows across the league, especially as Al-Ittihad moved quickly to strengthen its squad while Al-Nassr is still waiting to complete its first major signing of the transfer window. Ronaldo’s investment outside Saudi Arabia has now played an indirect role in helping one of the club’s biggest domestic competitors. Al-Ittihad has officially completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria, making him the club’s first overseas arrival of the summer transfer window. According to reports from Al-Riyadiah and several other outlets, the 24-year-old signed a long-term contract after the Tigers agreed to pay approximately $15 million, with the transfer fee scheduled to be paid in installments. The deal also reportedly includes a 10% sell-on clause in favor of Almeria should Lopy be transferred again in the future. The Tigers’ midfield is under the Black Panther’s command 🇸🇳🐅 pic.twitter.com/wDtEPNLc6U— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 The Saudi club confirmed the transfer through an announcement on its official social media channels, although it did not disclose the financial details. Ronaldo’s Almeria investment creates unexpected link The transfer carries an unusual twist because Almeria is partially owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish club, expanding his soccer portfolio while continuing his playing career with Al-Nassr. That investment means one of Ronaldo’s clubs has now completed a profitable sale to Al-Ittihad, a direct Saudi Pro League rival that continues to challenge Al-Nassr for domestic honors. The timing has attracted attention because Al-Ittihad has already secured its first major foreign signing, while Al-Nassr has yet to bring in a new player during the current transfer window. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC The Senegal international joins Al-Ittihad following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a deeper central role. His versatility is expected to provide additional balance in midfield as the club prepares for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. Since arriving at Almeria from Stade Reims in 2023, Lopy made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing six assists across all competitions. Tansfer that benefits everyone The midfielder built a reputation in Spain through his physical presence, defensive awareness and ability to recover possession. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured regularly in midfield while also contributing going forward with three goals and two assists in league competition. Statistical reports highlighted his impact in defensive situations, including strong numbers for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerial duels. His passing range also made him an attractive option for a possession-based side looking to strengthen its midfield. From the Land of Teranga 🇸🇳 to the Tigers’ Den 🐅 pic.twitter.com/9qz0cG9wQO— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 For Al-Ittihad, the signing addresses an important gap left by Fabinho’s departure while adding an experienced international midfielder entering
German officially announced as Howe’s successor‘This an incredibly compelling place to be’Matthias Jaissle has described Newcastle “as an incredibly compelling place to be” after finally formalising his managerial move from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli.The 38-year-old German has been with his new players at their training camp in La Manga, southern Spain, since last Saturday but, despite also falling under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Al-Ahli took time to provide Newcastle with some vital paperwork regarding the release of a head coach they were extremely reluctant to lose. Continue reading...
Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic says the club "count on me" despite being linked with a move away this summer. Reports suggest Serie A sides Juventus and former club Inter Milan are interested in taking the Croatia international back to Italy. The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium and is yet to be offered a new deal.
Mateo Kovacic is a player who could be an important squad member for Manchester City next season. The Croatian international is an experienced midfielder and that could be vital to Enzo Maresca’s sq...
Santi Denia, who was a LaLiga winner in his playing days and coached Spain to Olympic gold in 2024, has taken charge of Czechia. The post Czechia make Denia their first foreign coach after World Cup failure appeared first on SoccerNews.
From the beginning of the PIF takeover, Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) have put the brakes on Newcastle's ambitions to spend. The Magpies welcomed the new Financial Fair Play rules - the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR), which are now in effect - and, in short, mean the more you generate, the more you can spend. On top of that, in April, the PIF withdrew its multibillion dollar backing of LIV Golf after Yasir Al-Rumayyan - the fund's governor and chairman of Newcastle - confirmed it was reviewing its deals and investments.
Howe leaves after five years in charge at St James’ ParkAl-Ahli’s German coach in line to take over Eddie Howe has left Newcastle after losing control of transfers and is set to be replaced by the German coach Matthias Jaissle, who is in charge of the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.Although the timing of Howe’s abrupt departure following almost five years in charge at St James’ Park is unexpected, his position had been uncertain for some time. He is understood to have told Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners he wanted to leave more than a fortnight ago and the parting is said to be “amicable”. Continue reading...
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.