Adelaide: As his nation stands on the brink of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, Saudi Arabia stalwart Taiseer Al Jassam has spoken of the pride he gets when he pulls on the shirt of his national team.
Al Jassam, speaking exclusively to the-AFC.com, has played well over 100 times for his country but is aiming to appear at his first FIFA World Cup, a tournament his country has not reached since 2006.
Saudi Arabia occupy second place in Group B ahead of a meeting with third-placed Australia at Adelaide Oval on Thursday and, holding a three-point lead over the Socceroos with two games to play, a win would all but guarantee their spot in Russia.
“There is such a big difference when you wear the jersey of the national team,” the 32-year-old explained.
“It is completely different when you compare it to a player in a club shirt because you’re more enthusiastic, you’re more motivated and it’s a big joy to represent your country. For any player it’s an honour.”
Al Jassam, who has played his entire club career with Al Ahli, except for two short loan spells in Qatar, also knows the joy the national team can bring to the people of his country.
With World Cup qualification almost inevitable should the Saudis beat Australia on Thursday night, it provides extra motivation for Al Jassam and his teammates.
“It would be such a big joy. For Saudis, for fans, for players, for the country,” said Al Jassam, who scored in the 2-2 draw with Australia in Jeddah earlier in the campaign.
“We are doing our best to be in the World Cup. It’s the greatest thing ever you can achieve as a player and a country, and I hope that we are going to appear with a different image than all the previous times we have played at the World Cup.”
If Saudi Arabia do qualify for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, a lot of the thanks will go to one man – coach Bert van Marwijk.
Since taking over the Dutchman has brought a level of consistency and resilience not seen in a Saudi side for a long time, and Al Jassam paid tribute to the work the 65-year-old has done.
“I would say during the last two years he has changed the image of the Saudi national team,” noted the midfielder.
“Especially in front of the big teams such as Japan and Australia. We are now imposing our way of playing against such opponents.
“There is no doubt that winning means a lot, especially as it’s crucial for both teams. Winning this match would mean a lot simply because we were absent from the World Cup for so many years, so I hope we will do it and please our country.”
Looking ahead to the match against the Socceroos, Al Jassam knows it won’t be easy against an Australian outfit that is desperate for the three points.
“We respect the Australian national team, we know that it’s like a mini-European team because so many players are playing in Europe and European leagues,” he added.
“We know they are strong physically and we respect that and know they are a tough team with a lot of qualities. I am waiting for a tough and competitive game, it will not be easy.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com