Last week's surprise 2-1 win over Argentina means victory over Mexico on Wednesday would take Saudi Arabia into the next round in Qatar and the Green Falcons' improved performances have come as a result of increased professionalism domestically.
City completed the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup titles, matching Manchester United's feat in 1999 and drawing comparisons with Guardiola's 2008-09 Barcelona team.
This and more from the happenings in the world of football
French football president apologises for 'awkward remarks' on Zidane after backlash
A picture of a Socceroos fan holding up a sign saying, "Give us a public holiday", was widely shared on social media.
'Before Maradona and the 1986 World Cup people were mostly fans of Brazil, but Maradona after the 1986 World Cup divided Kolkata in two halves.'
Messi mania highlights 'epic' year for MLS, Garber says
'Trust me, the comeback of Leo Messi only depends on him.'
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
World champions Italy have returned to the top of the rankings after leaping above Argentina and Brazil.
"In this period, everyone's thinking of New Year's Eve, the distraction can be a problem. Two days after Leeds, we have to be ready."
The stadiums at Qatar offer plenty of wisdom and chutzpah on how to take our own lives forward.
The Indian football team continued to paint a grim picture as they are languishing down at 156th spot in the latest FIFA rankings.
Two goals in the first half from Roberto Firmino and Neymar gave Brazil an easy 2-0 victory over the United States in a friendly match in New Jersey on Friday.
It was rain of footballing gods as former stars Pele, Kaka, David Beckham and Carles Puyol graced the final.
Mancini slams Saudi players who opted to leave Asian Cup squad
A much-changed Sweden side reached the Women's World Cup last 16 with a perfect record
France's hopes of a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign were thwarted by a hardworking Jamaican side in a 0-0 draw in the opening Group F clash at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field.
"Football and the world of sports has lost one of its greatest players today. Rest in Peace Diego Maradona! You shall be missed," Tendulkar tweeted.
Diego Maradona accused Argentine soccer chiefs of betraying him on Wednesday, a day after they voted unanimously to sack him as national team coach.
Have you joined the rediff fan club to support your favourite football team in the World Cup 2006?
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
The rapid outbreak of coronavirus pandemic across Italy has been linked to the UEFA Champions League match between Italian club Atalanta and Spain's Valencia at the San Siro stadium in Milan on Feburary 19. The first cases of the virus were reported in northern Italy in the week that Atalanta enjoyed one of the finest nights in their history, beating visitors Valencia 4-1 in the Champions League last-16, first-leg match.
As the mercurial Messi rings in his 28th birthday, Rediff.com brings you all the exciting moments from the ace footballer's life.
Argentina was due to host this year's Copa America but withdrew at the last minute due to a surge of COVID-19 cases. The tournament was moved to Brazil, even though the death toll there is higher than anywhere outside the United States.
Have you joined the rediff fan club to support your favourite football team in the World Cup 2006?
Have you joined the rediff fan club to support your favourite football team in the World Cup 2006?
Richarlison is a rarity among the overindulged footballing elite. In a World Cup which has been overshadowed by social issues, Brazil's latest football sensation is championing more than just one cause, observes Deepti Patwardhan.
Luis Diaz was the only Colombian in the team of the tournament, alongside four Argentines (Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lionel Messi) and three Brazilians (Casemiro, Marquinhos and Neymar).
Round-up of football matches played around Europe on Saturday.
'After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it was time to go to the US league to experience football in a different way and enjoy the day-to-day.'
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
The much-anticipated IPL-style football league to be held early next year will be christened as the Indian Super League even as the organisers IMG-Reliance disclosed the roping in of four more big international stars.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Wreckage was found on Sunday following a privately-funded underwater search and a body recovered on Wednesday and taken to southern England.
Di Maria to retire from international soccer after World Cup
Pope Francis told the Italian and Argentine soccer teams on Tuesday that he could not decide who to back in their friendly match, but he urged them to set a good example in their behavior on and off the field.
While Africa, Asia and North America will not be represented, dashing any hope of a revolutionary breakthrough in the eventual destination of the trophy, at least one of this year's finalists will not have reached the title decider for half a century, if at all.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
