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The Middle East in the World Cup
by Sami Al-Nader June 19, 2006
The third appearance for Saudi Arabia has many people throughout the Middle East excited about the Mideast representing itself in a positive manner on the world’s largest stage. But how many countries from the Middle East played in the FIFA World Cup throughout history and how far did they go? Let us do a little research for you and in the meantime note that the FIFA 2006 World Cup has only two teams whose players actually play on leagues in the country they are representing: Saudi Arabia and Italy. All the other teams consist of players from around the world, many from European leagues. The Middle East has been represented by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Iran, The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq in the World Cup. Below are their results.
Saudi Arabia first entered the World Cup in 1994 where they made it to the second round only to lose to Sweden. In 2002 the team had a notable loss to Germany, 8-0. In the 1998 World Cup Saudi Arabia lost its opener against Denmark, but only 0-1. The team lost to France 4-0 and tied with South Africa 2-2 before being eliminated in the group stage. In 2002 Saudi Arabia’s first game was its Germany defeat 0-8 followed by two more defeats to Cameroon (1-0) and The Republic of Ireland (3-0). The 2006 World Cup saw a strong Saudi team almost win its opener against Tunisia but falling to a tie in the last seconds of the 93rd minute. The game ended 2-2. In 2006 the team saw an impressive performance by the country’s most touted striker, 33-year-old Sami Al-Jaber, aka Super Sami.
Egypt has seen two World Cups, one in 1934 and one not until 1990. In both Cups the team was eliminated in the first round. The 1934 World Cup had a first round consisting of one game only for each team. Egypt lost that game 4-2 against Hungary. In 1990 Egypt tried hard but was in a group of death consisting of The Netherlands, England and The Republic of Ireland. Egypt tied Netherlands 1-1, tied Republic of Ireland 0-0 and then lost to England 1-0. A strong performance but unfortunately no match for its group-mates.
The UAE were also in the World Cup in 1990, like Egypt also finishing last in their group but not having the strength of Egypt in the tournament. The UAE lost to Colombia in its first game (2-0), West Germany (5-0) and Yugoslavia (4-0) before being eliminated in the first round. The tournament in 1990 was the only time the UAE was in the World Cup, but there is always the future.
Turkey first participated in the World Cup in 1954, when it was held in Switzerland. Turkey finished third in its group (Group 2). The country lost to West Germany (4-1), beat Korea soundly (7-0) and then lost in a playoff for group advancement to West Germany (7-2). In 1950 Turkey qualified for the World Cup but withdrew. In 2002 Turkey had the best tournament of the Middle East players, finishing in third place in the entire World Cup, held in Korea and Japan. During group play it lost to Brazil (2-1), tied Costa Rica (1-1) and beat China 3-0 to advance to the next round. The country’s team then beat Japan on June 18 (1-0), beat Senegal 1-0 on June 22, lost to Brazil 0-1 on June 26 and then beat Korea 3-2 on June 29. During the 2002 World Cup Turkey eliminated both host nations (Japan and Korea). The team also had the fastest goal in World Cup history (11 seconds) made by striker Hakan Sukur.
Israel’s first and only World Cup appearance was held in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. The team finished last in their group after losing to Uruguay 2-0, tying with Sweden 1-1, and tying with Italy 0-0. Despite its loss in the tournament Israel made a fine show of keeping up with much stronger teams.
Iran made its first appearance in the 1978 World Cup which was held in Argentina. The country was eliminated in the first round and finished last in its group, but held on throughout the tournament nonetheless. Iran lost to Netherlands 3-0, tied Scotland 1-1, and lost to Peru 4-1 before being eliminated from play. In 1998 Iran finished third in its group above the United States, who finished last. Iran lost to Yugoslavia 1-0, beat the USA 2-1, and lost to Germany 2-0. Everyone talked about Iran’s victory over the USA for political reasons but the US did not have a very strong showing throughout the tournament anyway and football players are not politicians (thankfully). In 2006 Iran was also eliminated in the first round of play. The country lost to Mexico 3-1, tied with Angola 0-0, and lost to Portugal 2-0. As of press time they still have one game to play against Angola but have been eliminated from the tournament.
The first and only appearance by the Gulf Kingdom was in 1982, when the game was played in Spain. Kuwait finished last in a group of death consisting of England, France and Czechoslovakia. The country tied Czechoslovakia 1-1, lost to France 4-1, and lost to England 1-0, an impressive record considering the level of experience the other teams had.
Iraq was in the 1986 World Cup and finished last in its group and was eliminated in the first round. Iraq lost to Paraguay 1-0, Belgium 2-1 and Mexico 1-0, showing strong in another tough group but ultimately not having the strength or experience to carry itself through. This World Cup was Iraq’s first and only visit.
Overall the Middle East, despite Turkey’s third place effort, has made a poor showing of a tournament long dominated by players from European leagues. Over the years as International play becomes more prominent this is likely to change.
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