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Zaid handed Saudi start

14 Jun 2006 - 07:51:02

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Coach Marcos Paqueta has decided to leave veteran goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Deayea out of his starting line-up for Saudi Arabia's World Cup opener against Tunisia on Wednesday.

Al-Deayea, who has a world record 181 caps to his name, is hoping to appear in a fourth consecutive finals.

However, Paqueta has decided to go with Mabrouk Zaid for a game the Sons of the Desert must win if they are to retain realistic hopes of progressing from Group H.

"Mabrouk Zaid will be in goal and there is no mystery, we will play a 4-4-2 system," said the Brazilian.

Zaid was a regular during World Cup qualifying, but Al-Deayea was recalled in March to cover for an injury to the 27-year-old.