Zinedine Zidane's Scoring Statistics for Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia
### Zinedine Zidane's Scoring Statistics for Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia
#### Introduction
Zinedine Zidane is one of the most iconic footballers of all time, known for his incredible skills and impact on the game. His career spanned over two decades with numerous clubs, including Real Madrid and Juventus, but he also had a brief stint with Al-Ittihad, the national team of Saudi Arabia.
#### Early Career with Al-Ittihad
Zidane made his debut for Saudi Arabia in the 2007 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament against Iraq. He was part of a young squad that included future stars like Raheem Sterling and Youssef Chahine. The performance at the World Cup was overshadowed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which led to the cancellation of the tournament.
#### Notable Performances
During his short tenure with Al-Ittihad, Zidane made six appearances in international matches:
1. **2007 FIFA World Cup Qualification vs. Iraq**: Zidane played as a midfielder and scored twice in a 5-1 victory.
2. **2008 Africa Cup of Nations Qualification vs. Nigeria**: Zidane made his second appearance for the national team, scoring once in a 4-1 win.
3. **2009 FIFA Confederations Cup vs. Spain**: Zidane scored twice in a 3-2 defeat, helping the Saudis qualify for the final round.
4. **2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification vs. Morocco**: Zidane scored three times in a 6-2 victory,La Liga Frontline becoming a key player for the national team.
5. **2011 African Cup of Nations Qualification vs. Senegal**: Zidane scored twice in a 4-2 win, contributing significantly to the team's progress.
6. **2012 FIFA Confederations Cup vs. Germany**: Zidane scored once in a 2-1 loss, marking his last appearance for the national team before moving on to other clubs.
#### Impact and Legacy
While Zidane's time with Al-Ittihad was relatively short, his contributions were notable given the team's youth and limited experience. His performances during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Spain showcased his ability to score goals from various positions, demonstrating his versatility as a player.
#### Conclusion
Zinedine Zidane's scoring statistics for Al-Ittihad are modest, but they represent a significant moment in the history of Saudi Arabian football. His presence and performances highlighted the potential of the country's young talent and contributed to their qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, even if it came at a very young age.
As a testament to his impact, Zidane later went on to play for some of the world's top clubs, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time. His legacy extends far beyond his time with Al-Ittihad, leaving a lasting impression on the sport and inspiring generations of footballers.
