A match against Brazil is always a glamor tie. Pitting your wits against the men in the famous yellow jersey is for many a dream come true. Saudi Arabia’s best have faced the Selecao four times — here we take a look at how the Green Falcons have fared.
1988 — 4-1 TO BRAZIL
The first meeting between the two sides came in 1988 in Melbourne and the 3,200 souls who went to watch it saw a Brazil side in transition easily beat the Green Falcons. All-time great Romario was on the pitch but did not get on the scoresheet.
1997 — 3-0 TO BRAZIL
The first time the Selecao played in the Kingdom their manager was none other than past Saudi Arabia boss, Mario Zagallo. He managed the Green Falcons between 1981 and 1984. This clash was part of one of the early Confederation Cups and a brace from Romario helped the visitors to a 3-0 win over Sami Al-Jaber and Co. in Riyadh.
1999 — 8-2 TO BRAZIL
Two goals from Marzouk Al-Otaibi made the score 2-2 after 31 minutes. But any hope Saudi Arabia could shock the favorites for the Confederations Cup in Mexico was dashed as a side led by a Ronaldinho, who netted a hat-trick, scored six more without reply to win with ease.
2002 — 1-0 TO BRAZIL
The next time the Green Falcons faced Brazil — at the King Fahd International Stadium, in Riyadh — it was a much closer affair. Only a 73rd-minute strike from Djalminha separated the sides as the hosts put up a fine display in the friendly clash.
