Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas, U.S : Saudi Arabia national football team secured their first victory under new coach Georgios Donis with a 3-0 friendly win over Puerto Rico national football team on Saturday in a match interrupted for nearly two hours by severe weather.
Play was suspended in the 21st minute after thunderstorms and lightning in the area forced players from the field and spectators to seek shelter under U.S. safety regulations. Multiple lightning strikes repeatedly reset the mandatory 30-minute waiting period before the match was eventually able to resume.
Saudi Arabia broke the deadlock just before halftime when Sultan Mandash capitalised on a defensive mistake inside the penalty area.
The Saudis doubled their lead five minutes after the restart through Abdullah Al Hamdan, who won possession high up the pitch and calmly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Captain Salem Al Dawsari completed the scoring in the 88th minute, finishing off an impressive solo run to seal a confidence-boosting victory.
The result marked Saudi Arabia’s first win under Donis following a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador national football team in his opening match in charge.
Saudi Arabia will conclude their World Cup preparations against Senegal national football team on June 9 before beginning their campaign in Group H, where they are set to face Spain national football team, Uruguay national football team and Cape Verde national football team.
