SOCCER: Saudi Arabia a work in progress ahead of World Cup clash with Cape Verde

Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis said his team is still adapting to his system as they prepare to face Cape Verde in a crucial FIFA World Cup Group H match in Houston on Friday.

Donis, who took charge of the Saudi national team just one month ago after replacing Herve Renard shortly before the tournament, acknowledged that the squad remains a work in progress despite showing steady improvement.

Saudi Arabia has played five matches under Donis, including a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in its World Cup opener and a 4-0 defeat to Spain.

The team enters Friday's match knowing that a victory should be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage, either by finishing second in Group H or as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

"This last month was the most difficult of my coaching career as I tried to implement plans quickly. I have never had so many meetings," Donis told reporters on Thursday.

"Tomorrow marks one month since I started working with the players. During this time, they have received a lot of information and worked hard in training. We have a good team.

"But you cannot go to training and just press a button and have the team play the way the coach wants. It takes time."

Saudi Arabia will face a confident Cape Verde side that has impressed in its World Cup debut with two draws from its opening matches.

Donis praised Cape Verde's disciplined defense and physical style of play, describing the African nation as one of the tournament's surprise teams.

"Cape Verde is one of the surprises of the tournament. They are strong and athletic," he said. "What impressed me against both Spain and Uruguay was their defense in a low block.

"They were strong in challenges and dangerous on the attack when given space. Tomorrow we will try to take control of the match. We want to take risks, but cautiously, because we know the opponent we are facing."

Saudi Arabia's only previous appearance in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage came in 1994, which was also hosted by the United States. -Reporting by Nick Said, Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters