SAFF published a statement on their official website criticizing one of the local channels for misinterpretation of the words of the federation's head Adel bin Mohammad Ezzat, saying that the president singled out three players and will be holding them responsible for Thursday’s defeat.

“The channel confused the public, saying, that the head of the football federation held certain players responsible for our team’s loss to Russia, diminishing the value of those players compared to the others, although a loss in a game is a reflection of the level of the entire team,” the statement said.

SAFF added that “the team will be working hard in the days to come to correct the mistakes of the previous game” and “to achieve a better result in the next two matches.”

The Federation also praised General Sports Authority Chairman Turki al-Sheikh’s “bravery and disposition” after he said that he was fully responsible for the national team's poor performance.

The World Cup will continue through July 15, with a total of 64 matches set to be played at 12 stadiums across 11 Russian cities. Saudi Arabia will face Uruguay on Wednesday and Egypt on June 25.