Al-Ittifaq striker Saleh Beshir was originally chosen to replace Al-Anbar before the Brazilian coach called the 19-year-old Ahli Jeddah defender, Saudi media reported on Thursday.

The uncapped defender, who has never been called up to the Saudi Arabian team, is expected to cause a fuss in the Saudi football scene especially since he comes as a replacement to a striker, which could mean a change in playing strategy in the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia were held to a 2-2 draw by Tunisia in the Group H match that took place on Wednesday. They will next face Ukraine on Monday.