Calderon Always Remembered

Thanks to Gabriel Calderon, the Saudis have reached World Cup 2006. Thanks to him also, the Saudis beat the 4th place winner of 2002 World Cup South Korea. Thanks to him also, the Saudis got some self-esteem.

South Koreans probably don’t like him, for he formed a good team that defeated the South Koreans twice during the World Cup qualifying games. He basically forced the South Koreans to change coach.

Calderon never got “sacked” by the Saudi Football Association but rather discharged from his position of the coach. The Saudis praised and still praises him for producing a prosperous team. The officials wanted someone who could take a step further than what Calderon have done. They wanted someone who is familiar with the Saudi football more than Calderon.

Coincidently, the timing of the coach switching fell after the Saudi’s three defeat in the Asian West Games. That made the switching a headline news. The great part of this, Calderon still have a positive experience with the Saudi team.

Check out his interview with Fifaworldcup.com