'World Cup Fans' is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.
Supporters of the Saudi Arabia football team say they were shocked when much loved national coach .
After guiding the Saudis to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the experienced Dutchman was asked to move on in September.
"I'll be honest … it was a complete shock," Hamed Alqahtani, a Sydney resident and Saudi Arabia fan, told SBS News. "Nobody saw it coming."
Former Saudi Arabia coach Bert van Marwijk has joined the Socceroos. Source: Getty Images
Van Marwijk was given a lifeline when accepting the short-term position of Socceroos coach in March. He’ll see the Australian team through the World Cup after Ange Postecoglou departed after the qualifiers.
High hopes
As a replacement for Van Marwijk, Saudi football authorities signed Juan Antonio Pizzi after the Argentinian failed to get Chile to the World Cup. And local Saudi fans are remaining positive ahead of football's biggest event.
"It's wonderful to be in the World Cup," Sydney-based Saad Alqarni said.
"We're so proud of our team. It means so much to be in Russia with the best this year."
Saudi Arabia fans in Sydney. Source: SBS News
Alqarni is one of thousands of students attending university in Australia as part of a study program sponsored by the Saudi government.
It's not unusual for members of the Saudi community to gather together during study breaks and talk about the fortunes of their national side.
The students say the World Cup will be an opportunity to showcase Saudi culture, religion and sport.
"I think football and the World Cup is a good way to show tolerance between the people of different cultures," one student, Hareth Alharbi, said.
Members of Sydney's Saudi community also often get together at an inner western suburban field where they play - and pray.
Saudi Arabia fans pray at a local football match in Sydney. Source: SBS News
'New generation'
Saudi Arabia, nicknamed the Green Falcons, made its World Cup debut at USA '94. Many regard that team as its best after advancing to the round of 16.
Despite qualifying for France '98, South Korea '02 and Germany '06, the Saudis have failed to win a group game in 24 years.
But fans say they this year will be a fresh start.
"This is a new and determined generation of players," Sydneysider Hamad Aharbi said.
"Not one player who appeared in Germany is expected to be selected for this coming World Cup."
"In the past we have faced very difficult teams, but this time we have a better draw."
Saudi Arabia will meet hosts Russia in the opening match of the tournament, followed by Uruguay and Egypt.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
