Saudi Arabia boss Juan Antonio Pizzi has insisted that his side will look to improve after their 5-0 defeat to Russia in the World Cup opener.
The Green Falcons, who failed to threaten against the hosts throughout, were punished as the hosts got their campaign off to the perfect start in Moscow.
Pizzi, speaking to reporters after the game, admitted a “feeling of shame” at his side’s performance.
“The opposing team really didn’t have to make a huge effort to win this game,” the manager said. “We have now to forget this feeling of shame and start thinking about the next match.
“The way I feel right now makes that a valid point but whatever happens I’ve got my philosophy and I’ll try to do as best I can. I trust in our plans and I trust in my players and I trust we’ll have a better performance in our next game.
“This game should not be a point of reference. We didn’t play the way we planned to. It is left to us to be positive and start thinking about the next match. I believe that we came into this tournament well prepared and the players were ready to show that they could play at the World Cup. We did not show today what we have done in our previous games.”
Saudi Arabia’s tie with Uruguay will take place on June 20.