FIFA Series 2024 Concludes in Jeddah

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
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FIFA Series 2024 Concludes in Jeddah

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the Kingdom played host during the international FIFA days, featuring eight national teams. Held in Jeddah, the matches took place in two venues -- the auxiliary stadiums of King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City -- from March 21 to March 26 of this year, Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) President Yasser Al Misehal said in a news release, SPA reported.
The first group featured teams from Cape Verde (Confederation of African Football), Cambodia (Asian Football Confederation), Equatorial Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Guyana (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), while the second group included Bermuda (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), Brunei Darussalam (Asian Football Confederation), Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Vanuatu (Oceania Football Confederation).
The SAFF president hailed the event as a "success" and emphasized the role of Saudi talents in showcasing Saudi Arabia's capacity to host global events.

"This tournament is seen as a collaborative effort between FIFA and the Saudi Federation to develop international football, aligning with FIFA's goals, particularly in developing national teams and creating more opportunities for their growth” he said.
Saudi Arabia recently has hosted numerous high-profile events, establishing itself as a global sports powerhouse. Its recent hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup, Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and the West Asian Women's Championship, coupled with its hosting the 2027 Asian Cup, showcase its ambition.

The Kingdom's potential candidacy for the 2034 World Cup further demonstrates its commitment to major sporting events.



United Boss Ten Hag Concedes Liverpool Have Advantage of Mature Team

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - August 24, 2024 Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts REUTERS/Tony O Brien/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - August 24, 2024 Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts REUTERS/Tony O Brien/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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United Boss Ten Hag Concedes Liverpool Have Advantage of Mature Team

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - August 24, 2024 Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts REUTERS/Tony O Brien/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - August 24, 2024 Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts REUTERS/Tony O Brien/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Liverpool are a more mature side than Manchester United, with the advantage of a cohesive team of established players, United manager Erik ten Hag said ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash between the bitter rivals at Old Trafford.

"Liverpool are in a different phase of the life cycle," Ten Hag told reporters. "We are much more mixed and we have to build a new team."

United have not beaten Liverpool in the league since a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in August 2022 though Ten Hag's men did prevail 4-3 over former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp's side to win the FA Cup last season, according to Reuters.

Liverpool finished third in the league last season, five places and 22 points ahead of United, but Ten Hag said his side could take heart from their performance in the cup final.

"We can always win, last year we won (in the FA cup) in the second part of the season," the Dutchman said.

"(Liverpool) are a team who are clear in the relationship among their players. It's what (new manager Arne Slot) has inherited. It was built over the last few years."

Slot and Ten Hag have faced each other in the past during their time working in the Dutch top flight, with little to chose between them on paper.

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Both managers have two wins apiece against each other in the Eridivisie, with Sunday's match at Old Trafford their first head-to-head meeting since March 2022.

Liverpool have made a solid start to the season under Slot, who became their first manager since Graeme Souness in 1991 to win his two opening league games in charge with Sunday's 2-0 victory over Brentford.

United, on the other hand, dropped their first points of the campaign when they were beaten 2-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion last Saturday.

"One of the reasons I came here is I knew beforehand it would be the most difficult thing I could ever do in my life, to come in (to) a club with a lot of problems," added Ten Hag, who took charge of United in April 2022.

"I inherited a history of six years and no trophy. We're still in transition. We have young players, academy players, and now we have to construct a team for the future."