Saudi Arabia made a splash against Argentina last week. Staff member, former player, and director of Amiens SC, David Ducci, discussed this resounding feat in "Let's Talk World Cup", touching on Hervé Renard's halftime talk and the team's ambitions, which could potentially face the French team in the Round of 16.
It's a potential opponent for the French national team on December 4th in the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup. Just like Argentina, who were caught off guard by this Hervé Renard-led team in their opening match. Saudi Arabia made a splash and surprised the football world by giving Messi and his teammates a tough time. This feat is willingly acknowledged by the Saudi staff, but it is the result of meticulous preparation, as Hervé Renard and his staff are known for.
With Hervé Renard, "we've known each other for a long time"
We remember the strong and provocative speech by the former mentor of Zambia and Morocco during halftime against Albiceleste. The speech was delivered in English and translated with such passion and relevance that it highly motivated the Saudi players. Speaking live from Qatar on "Let's Talk World Cup" Monday morning, David Ducci revealed a little secret. "The translator is a technical assistant, a former player who participated in the 2006 World Cup with Saudi Arabia; it's not his profession," explains the former player and coach of Amiens SC. "But that's why Hervé chose him; he has the ability to convey in the translation the meaning of the words that Hervé wants to impart."
For David Ducci, Hervé Renard no longer holds many secrets. "We've known each other for a very long time," says the one who dreams of a Round of 16 match between France and Saudi Arabia if his team secures the 2nd place in the group. It would be a match against his country and a coach he knows well. During the 1984-1985 season, David Ducci indeed played with Didier Deschamps on the French cadet team. He still remembers his first call-up, with Deschamps and Renard, which took place in Saint-Quentin.