Saudi Gazette report
DOHA — Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi delivered a sharp response during the final minutes of Monday’s pre-match press conference after an Omani reporter questioned the Kingdom’s spending on the Saudi Pro League and whether it reflected on the national team’s performance.

Al Aqidi began his answer by correcting the reporter for not addressing him by name, saying: “My name is Nawaf Al Aqidi, that’s first.”

He continued: “We support our leadership in the development of Saudi football. This is our spending, and we invest in any field we choose. Our goal is development, and for that reason we continue to invest.”

The Green Falcons’ goalkeeper then escalated his response, stating: “The Saudi national team has always had the upper hand over Oman. Today we are at the World Cup, and we will play the next World Cup as well. We will appear better in every competition because we are developing.”

Al Aqidi added: “Tomorrow the Saudi national team will show who we are, just as it happens every time. As I said, we are improving in all areas, and we are happy and proud of that.”

Earlier in the press conference, Al Aqidi stressed the importance of the upcoming Arab Cup campaign, saying: “The Arab Cup is important for us and we are looking forward to starting well,” while noting, “The Saudi fans always support us, and we hope to make them happy, especially since the national team has won the title twice.”