Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia have named Dutchman Frank Rijkaard as national team coach with the aim of qualifying the Gulf side for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
The post had been due to go to Brazilian coach Ricardo Gomes, but the deal fell through at the last moment over a disagreement on the starting date.
Former Barcelona and Netherlands coach Rijkaard, who was out of work since being sacked by Turklish side Galatasaray last October, signed a three-year deal.
Saudi Arabia have been without a manager since the sacking of Portuguese boss Jose Peseiro after his side crashed out of January's Asian Cup in Qatar, losing all three games.
Rijkaard said: "We have our goals. We hope this will be the kick-off of a very successful period.
"As every journey, you start with the first step. That's what we made today. From now on, we will be planning."