Match story
- Saudi Arabia fired more attempts (13 vs 7 shots).
- Japan was more accurate in front of goal (43% on target vs 15%).
- Saudi Arabia held more of the ball (57% possession).
Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 0-2 in the World Cup - Qualification Asia. The fixture is part of the 3rd Round - 3 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. K. Jong-Hyeok officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Saudi Arabia vs Japan meeting in World Cup - Qualification Asia 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 Japan. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World Cup - Qualification AsiaRecorded meetings: 6 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 0-2 in the World Cup - Qualification Asia. The fixture is part of the 3rd Round - 3 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. K. Jong-Hyeok officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Saudi Arabia vs Japan meeting in World Cup - Qualification Asia 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 Japan. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World Cup - Qualification AsiaRecorded meetings: 6 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
After glory days of Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min, the new season could be Korean-free for first time since 2005It has been a cruel summer for South Korea. The national team crashed and burned at the World Cup, the police are investigating the football association, reports have emerged about bribes paid to foreign referees in 2011 and 2012 and there is a real prospect of the the English Premier League being Korean-free for the first time since 2005.That was when Park Ji-sung signed for Manchester United, to start a love affair between the Land of the Morning Calm and England’s top tier that has continued ever since. Park won four titles and his mantle was taken over in 2015 by Son Heung-min at Spurs. Continue reading...
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto could be heading for a surprise move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal making significant progress in their pursuit of the Portugal international. The 26-year-old had previously attracted interest from Premier League rivals, particularly Manchester City, but Al Hilal have now moved decisively. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a […] The post Chelsea superstar agrees personal terms ahead of potential move to Saudi club appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Samu Costa scored on his Al Nassr debut in the win over Al Fateh and dedicated the victory to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was absent from the match. Samu Costa marked his Al Nassr debut in style, scoring in a 3-0 win over Al Fateh in the club’s Saudi Pro League opener on August 15 — his first appearance since joining Cristiano Ronaldo‘s side. The Portuguese midfielder found the net alongside goals from Joao Felix and Angelo as Al Nassr began the new season with a statement victory. Speaking after the match, Costa reflected on the win and made a point of including Ronaldo in his praise, despite the Portuguese superstar not featuring in the squad. “A good start. We worked hard and deserved the three points. I dedicate the victory to my family, my teammates, and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Costa said. Ronaldo’s absence from the matchday squad was a deliberate call by new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who only recently took charge at Al Nassr. Ronaldo had rejoined training just two days before the match, having spent recent weeks away from the squad following his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez. With Ronaldo sidelined for the opener, it was Angelo, Costa and Felix who stepped up to deliver the win, giving Postecoglou an encouraging start to his tenure in Riyadh. All eyes will now turn to when Ronaldo is expected to make his own season debut for the club. First game. First win. First celebration 🤩💛Samú Costa gets the full Nassr welcome pic.twitter.com/pZE3T9oj9K— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 15, 2026 Ronaldo eyeing return for matchday 2 It was to be expected that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t feature at the start of Al Nassr‘s 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign, having missed every training session with the squad and sat out the entire preseason. According to reports out of Saudi Arabia, the captain is also expected to miss Al Nassr’s King Champions Cup opener against Diriyah Club on August 18, with his return now targeted for matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh on August 21.
It's that time of the year again - the transfer window is now open until September 1 and it's sure to be a busy period as clubs look to make big signings ahead of the new season.
Aston Villa have already advanced in talks with Italian Serie A side Parma for highly-rated goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The post ‘Already Advanced’ – Aston Villa Move Quickly On Deal appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Zion Suzuki’s move to PSG is off (Getty) Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed on Saturday. PSG had agreed a €35 million (£30m) deal with Parma for Suzuki and the Japan international was due to travel to Paris on Saturday to undergo a medical and finalise his move to Luis Enrique’s side. However, RMC Sport reports that the commission demanded by Suzuki’s agents at the last minute was deemed too high by PSG’s hierarchy, who then opted to pull out of the deal. The report adds that barring any unforeseen circumstances, Suzuki will not be joining PSG this summer. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italy claims that Suzuki had not given the green light over a move to PSG due to concerns over playing time. The report claims that Villa have retained their interest in Suzuki and could now have a clear run at signing the 23-year-old. Juventus made a new approach for Emiliano Martinez on Saturday (Getty) Juventus also made a fresh enquiry to Villa over a deal to sign Emiliano Martinez on Saturday. However, in an interview with 365 Scores last month, Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, insisted that the Argentina international would not leave the club. ‘The goalkeeper’s future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,’ Vidagany said. ‘The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season. ‘All the news published by the media about his departure to Juventus does not reflect the club’s true position. ‘Martinez is a very important player for us, and we expect him to continue delivering his outstanding performances alongside his teammates.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Today’s fluff has sought shade As these glorious pages reported on Thursday, Galatasaray wanted Gabriel Martinelli. In the following 24 hours things changed a bit, creating greater complexity, something we do not approve of. Arsenal have supposedly been offered the chance to involve the Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in exchange for the Brazilian, which could be temptong for a side looking for a new No 9. To further sweeten any potential, Ethan Nwaneri could be chucked into it too to make it a mega swap.Tijjani Reijnders may struggle to find a perfect role within Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City. The Dutchman has already been linked with Nottingham Forest, which has stirred some interest in Saudi Arabia from Al Qadsiah, who are managed by Brendan Rodgers and are willing to cough up £51m for the midfielder. Continue reading...
Ahead of the beginning of the 2026-27 season without, Cristiano Ronaldo's new coach Ange Postecoglou made an honest take on Al Nassr's trophy hopes: "I don't promise anything." Cristiano Ronaldo has officially rejoined his teammates and completed his first training session at Al Nassr as the squad prepares for the 2026-27 season under new management. However, new head coach Ange Postecoglou was quick to temper expectations ahead of the upcoming campaign, stating plainly: “I do not promise anything.“ Last season, Jorge Jesus was appointed by Al Nassr to snap a multi-year silverware drought, ultimately guiding the club to a Saudi Pro League title. With Jesus now taking charge of the Portugal national team, Postecoglou was brought in as his replacement, tasked with maintaining that championship momentum. Speaking at Thursday’s press conference at the Dar Al Nassr training complex, Postecoglou was asked about the road ahead following a demanding preseason in which Al Nassr posted a 1-3 record: “When we spoke about the challenges, we were aware that there were different circumstances and challenges, but whatever the circumstances, we have to deal with them and prepare well.“ While he stopped short of guaranteeing trophies, the new Al Nassr boss made no secret of his ambition for his debut campaign in Saudi Arabia. “Of course, I do not promise anything, and I have always achieved something in my first season,” he said. “The matter is simply that wherever I go, I love to achieve success,” he added. The captain is back. The message is clear 💛Coach Ange: “The league starts today” 🟡 pic.twitter.com/I8BLGWgPIo— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 13, 2026 Unlike last season, Al Nassr will be competing in the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier continental tournament, alongside their domestic duties in the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup. Ronaldo’s side missed out on the top competition last year, finishing as runners-up in the AFC Champions League Two, but punched their ticket back to the elite tier by winning the SPL title. Postecoglou and his second-season pedigree Under contract through June 2028, Postecoglou’s tenure with the Saudi club extends beyond Ronaldo’s current deal, which runs through June 2027. However, much of the Australian manager’s famed track record has come during his second years in charge, a pattern he readily acknowledges. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he famously declared, “I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them,” a claim that has consistently held up. That history of second-year triumphs spans stops at South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic, and Tottenham, where he ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League. Postecoglou also became the first manager from his country to take charge of a Saudi Pro League side, a milestone he proudly highlighted. “I am proud of where I am working now. I am an Australian born in Greece, and I have become the first Australian coach in Saudi Arabia, just as I was in England and Japan,” he said during the press conference.
Nottingham Forest remain in the frame for the Netherlands international but he is weighing up whether to accept the offer to link up with coach Brendan Rodgers.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
After glory days of Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min, the new season could be Korean-free for first time since 2005It has been a cruel summer for South Korea. The national team crashed and burned at the World Cup, the police are investigating the football association, reports have emerged about bribes paid to foreign referees in 2011 and 2012 and there is a real prospect of the the English Premier League being Korean-free for the first time since 2005.That was when Park Ji-sung signed for Manchester United, to start a love affair between the Land of the Morning Calm and England’s top tier that has continued ever since. Park won four titles and his mantle was taken over in 2015 by Son Heung-min at Spurs. Continue reading...
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto could be heading for a surprise move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal making significant progress in their pursuit of the Portugal international. The 26-year-old had previously attracted interest from Premier League rivals, particularly Manchester City, but Al Hilal have now moved decisively. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a […] The post Chelsea superstar agrees personal terms ahead of potential move to Saudi club appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Samu Costa scored on his Al Nassr debut in the win over Al Fateh and dedicated the victory to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was absent from the match. Samu Costa marked his Al Nassr debut in style, scoring in a 3-0 win over Al Fateh in the club’s Saudi Pro League opener on August 15 — his first appearance since joining Cristiano Ronaldo‘s side. The Portuguese midfielder found the net alongside goals from Joao Felix and Angelo as Al Nassr began the new season with a statement victory. Speaking after the match, Costa reflected on the win and made a point of including Ronaldo in his praise, despite the Portuguese superstar not featuring in the squad. “A good start. We worked hard and deserved the three points. I dedicate the victory to my family, my teammates, and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Costa said. Ronaldo’s absence from the matchday squad was a deliberate call by new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who only recently took charge at Al Nassr. Ronaldo had rejoined training just two days before the match, having spent recent weeks away from the squad following his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez. With Ronaldo sidelined for the opener, it was Angelo, Costa and Felix who stepped up to deliver the win, giving Postecoglou an encouraging start to his tenure in Riyadh. All eyes will now turn to when Ronaldo is expected to make his own season debut for the club. First game. First win. First celebration 🤩💛Samú Costa gets the full Nassr welcome pic.twitter.com/pZE3T9oj9K— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 15, 2026 Ronaldo eyeing return for matchday 2 It was to be expected that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t feature at the start of Al Nassr‘s 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign, having missed every training session with the squad and sat out the entire preseason. According to reports out of Saudi Arabia, the captain is also expected to miss Al Nassr’s King Champions Cup opener against Diriyah Club on August 18, with his return now targeted for matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh on August 21.
It's that time of the year again - the transfer window is now open until September 1 and it's sure to be a busy period as clubs look to make big signings ahead of the new season.
Aston Villa have already advanced in talks with Italian Serie A side Parma for highly-rated goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The post ‘Already Advanced’ – Aston Villa Move Quickly On Deal appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Zion Suzuki’s move to PSG is off (Getty) Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed on Saturday. PSG had agreed a €35 million (£30m) deal with Parma for Suzuki and the Japan international was due to travel to Paris on Saturday to undergo a medical and finalise his move to Luis Enrique’s side. However, RMC Sport reports that the commission demanded by Suzuki’s agents at the last minute was deemed too high by PSG’s hierarchy, who then opted to pull out of the deal. The report adds that barring any unforeseen circumstances, Suzuki will not be joining PSG this summer. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italy claims that Suzuki had not given the green light over a move to PSG due to concerns over playing time. The report claims that Villa have retained their interest in Suzuki and could now have a clear run at signing the 23-year-old. Juventus made a new approach for Emiliano Martinez on Saturday (Getty) Juventus also made a fresh enquiry to Villa over a deal to sign Emiliano Martinez on Saturday. However, in an interview with 365 Scores last month, Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, insisted that the Argentina international would not leave the club. ‘The goalkeeper’s future is settled, he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,’ Vidagany said. ‘The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season. ‘All the news published by the media about his departure to Juventus does not reflect the club’s true position. ‘Martinez is a very important player for us, and we expect him to continue delivering his outstanding performances alongside his teammates.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Today’s fluff has sought shade As these glorious pages reported on Thursday, Galatasaray wanted Gabriel Martinelli. In the following 24 hours things changed a bit, creating greater complexity, something we do not approve of. Arsenal have supposedly been offered the chance to involve the Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in exchange for the Brazilian, which could be temptong for a side looking for a new No 9. To further sweeten any potential, Ethan Nwaneri could be chucked into it too to make it a mega swap.Tijjani Reijnders may struggle to find a perfect role within Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City. The Dutchman has already been linked with Nottingham Forest, which has stirred some interest in Saudi Arabia from Al Qadsiah, who are managed by Brendan Rodgers and are willing to cough up £51m for the midfielder. Continue reading...
Ahead of the beginning of the 2026-27 season without, Cristiano Ronaldo's new coach Ange Postecoglou made an honest take on Al Nassr's trophy hopes: "I don't promise anything." Cristiano Ronaldo has officially rejoined his teammates and completed his first training session at Al Nassr as the squad prepares for the 2026-27 season under new management. However, new head coach Ange Postecoglou was quick to temper expectations ahead of the upcoming campaign, stating plainly: “I do not promise anything.“ Last season, Jorge Jesus was appointed by Al Nassr to snap a multi-year silverware drought, ultimately guiding the club to a Saudi Pro League title. With Jesus now taking charge of the Portugal national team, Postecoglou was brought in as his replacement, tasked with maintaining that championship momentum. Speaking at Thursday’s press conference at the Dar Al Nassr training complex, Postecoglou was asked about the road ahead following a demanding preseason in which Al Nassr posted a 1-3 record: “When we spoke about the challenges, we were aware that there were different circumstances and challenges, but whatever the circumstances, we have to deal with them and prepare well.“ While he stopped short of guaranteeing trophies, the new Al Nassr boss made no secret of his ambition for his debut campaign in Saudi Arabia. “Of course, I do not promise anything, and I have always achieved something in my first season,” he said. “The matter is simply that wherever I go, I love to achieve success,” he added. The captain is back. The message is clear 💛Coach Ange: “The league starts today” 🟡 pic.twitter.com/I8BLGWgPIo— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 13, 2026 Unlike last season, Al Nassr will be competing in the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier continental tournament, alongside their domestic duties in the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup. Ronaldo’s side missed out on the top competition last year, finishing as runners-up in the AFC Champions League Two, but punched their ticket back to the elite tier by winning the SPL title. Postecoglou and his second-season pedigree Under contract through June 2028, Postecoglou’s tenure with the Saudi club extends beyond Ronaldo’s current deal, which runs through June 2027. However, much of the Australian manager’s famed track record has come during his second years in charge, a pattern he readily acknowledges. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he famously declared, “I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them,” a claim that has consistently held up. That history of second-year triumphs spans stops at South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic, and Tottenham, where he ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League. Postecoglou also became the first manager from his country to take charge of a Saudi Pro League side, a milestone he proudly highlighted. “I am proud of where I am working now. I am an Australian born in Greece, and I have become the first Australian coach in Saudi Arabia, just as I was in England and Japan,” he said during the press conference.
Nottingham Forest remain in the frame for the Netherlands international but he is weighing up whether to accept the offer to link up with coach Brendan Rodgers.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
