After Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their final group stage match of the FIFA World Cup, defender Nawaf Al-Boushal was interviewed in the FIFA mixed zone after the match.

For you and a group of players like Al-Shammari, this might be the third or fourth time you've represented the national team in a major tournament. We seem to see the same pattern in the Arab Cup, Gulf Cup, and Asian Cup—we participate, then get eliminated. Can you explain what happened in this tournament?

First, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This is all destiny. We have done our best and have been trying hard to do what needs to be done, and even more. But the final result is decided by Allah. Of course, being eliminated from this tournament is not a good thing, especially in a competition like this. But this is the predetermined outcome. We hope to make amends in the future, Allah willing.

After the elimination, what do you want to say to the Saudi fans? From the first match to the last, the fans have always supported you in the stadium. What do you want to say to them?

No matter how much we thank the Saudi fans, it's never enough. They have given us immense support, both in person and through the screens at home. May Allah bless them, and we sincerely thank them. We hope Allah will grant us good results in the upcoming matches and make them happy.

Today, the Saudi team said goodbye to the tournament under the new 48-team format, whereas in the past, we participated in a 32-team format. Do you think today's result can be called a failure?

First of all, thank you for your question. No, there is no such thing as failure in football; we have been working hard and constantly trying, but as I said, it's all in Allah's hands. As long as you are still striving, still competing, and have come this far, it cannot be called a failure. Of course, our goal is not just to participate. But thank Allah, this is destiny. We hope to go further in the upcoming matches and make the fans happy.

The 2034 FIFA World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia. Do you think the Saudi team will achieve better results on home soil?

We hope Allah allows us all to witness that day. But before that, we must first play well in the current matches before thinking about the future. Let's discuss this question later.

First, I'd like to ask about your injury. Also, did the late coaching change put a lot of pressure on you? Did the new coaching staff, medical team, and management negatively impact the team?

May Allah bless; my condition should not be serious. I will undergo the necessary examinations, and I hope everything goes well. As for the late coaching change you mentioned, I don't think it's accurate to say "too late," and it's not something we can decide. The Saudi Football Federation is responsible for these decisions, and we support every one of them. We hope, Allah willing, to make up for any shortcomings in the future.

We have only been working with the coaching staff for one month, and I'm not saying this is the reason for our elimination, but the cooperation period was indeed short. I hope his tactical approach becomes gradually clearer, and I also hope these developments will have a positive impact in the upcoming matches and make the Saudi people happy.

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