 Goalscorer Malek Ali Al-Hawsawi (front) battles with Togo's Erassa Affo |
Saudi Arabia grabbed a late goal to beat fellow World Cup finalists Togo 1-0 in a friendly in Holland. Malek Ali Al-Hawsawi collected Mohammed Ameen Haidar's throughball in the 85th minute before slipping the ball home.
It was the final friendly for both sides before they have to name the 23-man squads for the World Cup finals.
At the finals in Germany Saudi Arabia are in Group H with Tunisia, Ukraine and Spain while Togo will play France, Switzerland and South Korea in Group G.
After the game the Togo's German coach Otto Pfister seemed happy with his side's performance.
"What I saw has given me confidence, even though I am hoping for a big improvement," he said.
"Some of my players seemed to be lacking in freshness but I am not too concerned about that.
"Tomorrow (Monday) we will put our players through some physical tests and then adapt our preparations accordingly.
"Playing Saudi Arabia was good preparation. We have only been training for two days.
"We could not expect miracles because we were without most of our best players who are still with their clubs."
Saudi Arabia: Zaid, Al Montashari, Al Hawsawi, Tukar, Al Thakar, Al Khathran, Hawsawi (Haidar 85), Al Ghamdi (Khariri 49), Al Temyat (Al Shlhoub 66), Al Dossari (Al-Bahri 87), Al Qahtani (Al Jaber 73).
Subs Not Used: Al Qadi, Al-Daeyea, Al Harbi, Malaeka, Sulimani, Al Anbar.
Goals: Al Hawsawi 85.
Togo: Tchanirou, Nibombe, Masamessou, Forson, Erassa, Cherif-Toure (Brenner 80), Kwami (Akoto 62), Junior Senaya (Jacques Romao 55), Coubadja, Olufade (Dossevi 46), Malm (Moustapha Salifou 70).
Subs Not Used: Guada, Kodjovi.
Booked: Olufade, Dossevi.
Att: 400
Ref: Eric Braamhaar (Holland).