The Saudi football fans concerned their foreign professionals participating in the European Cup of Nations “Euro 2024” in terms of following up on their presentations in addition to the results and the chances of each team running for the second round after reaching the conclusion of the third round of the group stage.
While the Saudi League is represented by 14 Euros players, ambassadors to 11 clubs, some have already said goodbye to the tournament, the most recent dates being crescent duo Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic Savic with Serbia.
The Serbian side failed to beat Denmark to settle for a goalless draw for only the second point in the group and lose their chances of qualifying.
Over the past three games, al-hilal fans have passionately followed Savic and Mitrovic’s presentation, especially since the latter led his country’s main attack, but failed to find the net, with the Serbian team merely aiming for one goal in 270 minutes.
The Serb duo, accompanied by their respective countries, exited the Euros, turning the crescendo crowd’s attention towards another professional who is the last remaining team player, Portugal’s Ruben Neves.
Neves made 45 minutes in his country’s matches against Czech Republic and Turkey, remaining on the bench in the first game while playing as a second-half substitute for the second.
Neves is perhaps not a key option for coach Roberto Martínez with other elements of great excellence, especially centre four Vitina, Paulinia, Bruno Fernández and Bernardo Silva.
But the leader’s fans will place their hopes on the prospect of Neves completing the march with Portugal at the Euros after securing qualification for the round of 16 by winning the first two games, placing a heavy responsibility on captain Cristiano Ronaldo and his offensive pals to continue in the tournament for the farthest term.
