ROSY RENARD STARTS NEW SAUDI STORY

He begins second stint against Australia and Indonesia confident of World Cup spot

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Saudi Arabia will look to rekindle past glories when they take on Australia in an Asian World Cup qualifier in Melbourne on Nov 14, with the Green Falcons aiming to move on from the lacklustre Roberto Mancini era with the return of Herve Renard.

Frenchman Renard is back at the helm for the first time since replacing his Italian predecessor in October, after Mancini and the Saudis ended an often awkward 14-month dalliance.

One win, two draws and a loss in four games in the third phase of the continent's qualifiers for the 2026 Finals in North America have left the Saudis in third place in Group C, trailing second-placed Australia on goal difference and leaders Japan by five points.

Only the top two finishers in each of Asia's three preliminary groups qualify automatically for the Finals, with the third- and fourth-placed sides advancing to another round, and the Saudis are desperate to ensure guaranteed progress.