Saudi Arabia were held to a 1-1 draw by Syria in an international friendly as both sides prepare for their opening AFC Asian Cup 2007 qualifiers next week, and Marcos Paqueta’s Saudi Arabia get ready for the World Cup Finals.

In the 39th minute Al Hilal striker Yasser Al Qahtani gave the World Cup qualifiers a deserved lead at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal stadium, as he beat the Syrian offside trap before rounding the Syria goalkeeper Radwan Al Azhar and putting the ball into the empty net.

However, just six minutes later Saudi’s gave away the lead, with the AFC Player of the Year Hamad Al Montashari turning a cross from Syria’s Firas Al Khatib past his own goalkeeper Mohammed Al Daeyea to score an own-goal and bring Syria back into the game.

Both sides made several substitutions during the second half but try as both teams might, neither side managed to break through, and the scoreline remained at 1-1, leaving Marcos Paqueta still searching for his first victory as Saudi coach.

Adding to the Saudi woes was an injury late in the game to Al Qahtani, which could prove to be a problem for the team’s visit to Yemen for next Wednesday’s opening Group A match in the Asia Cup qualifiers.

Syria, who have been drawn in Group B in the Asia Cup qualifiers, host another World Cup 2006 qualifier, the Korean Republic in their opening game.

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