Saudis will play without fear in opener, says Pizzi

Soccer Football - World Cup - Saudi Arabia Training - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - June 13, 2018 Saudi Arabia Sports Minister Turki Al Sheikh during training REUTERS/Carl Recine

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said Saudi Arabia would play without fear on Thursday when they look to become the first team to inflict defeat on a host nation in the opening match of a World Cup.

Warm-up losses to Italy, Germany and Peru have not made for the best preparations for the Saudis as they chase a first victory in the World Cup finals since 1994 in their first appearance in the showpiece event since 2006.