VOLGOGRAD: Saudi Arabia has extended coach Juan Antonio Pizzi’s contract until the end of the Asian Cup in February 2019, the FA said on Tuesday, a day after the ‘Green Falcons’ claimed a surprise victory over Egypt in their last World Cup game. Saudi Arabia has had a high turnover of coaches, and there was speculation Argentine-born Pizzi could be on his way out after the team suffered a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Russia in their opening game. But the Asian side showed a marked improvement in their subsequent Group A matches, despite failing to progress from the group stage. Pizzi began coaching Saudi Arabia in November and his contract was due to expire at the end of the tournament in Russia. Published in Daily Times, June 27th 2018.