Saudi Arabia resumed their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win over Palestine on Tuesday in a match that saw the return of fans inside the stadium. It was announced in the lead-up to the match that the King Saud University Stadium would welcome vaccinated supporters to 40 per cent capacity for the Group D match. For those in attendance, they were treated to a convincing victory by the national team that moved them to the top of the group on 11 points, two ahead of Uzbekistan after five matches. Saleh Al Shehri scored twice while Yasir Al Shahrani, Fahad Al Muwallad and Salem Al Dawsari were also on target for the three-time Asian champions. "We didn't start the match well," said Saudi manager Herve Renard. "There was an opportunity for our opponent at the start of the match and they didn't take advantage of it, fortunately. We scored two goals in the first half, which ended well. "I congratulate the players on their performance, especially the young ones. Our opponent relied on long passes and we are not very strong in dealing with these cases, but we performed well." Saudi Arabia had to wait until the 37th minute before Al Shahrani headed the home side into the lead and Al Muwallad doubled their advantage from close range six minutes later. Al Shehri netted twice in six minutes early in the second half and Al Dawsari completed the scoring from the penalty spot two minutes from time. Only the winners of the eight groups in the second round of Asia's qualifying tournament for next year's World Cup are certain to advance to the third phase. They will be joined by the four best runners-up. Asia has four guaranteed places available at the World Cup finals, with a potential fifth spot on offer via an international playoff. Saudi Arabia will host the remaining matches in Group D in June.
