"Do they still show it in America?" asked Saeed Owairan, the Saudi Arabian who scored the most spectacular goal during the last World Cup finals.

Owairan scored the goal against Belgium in Saudi Arabia's final match of the first round. The on-field temperature at RFK Stadium in Washingtonwas close to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Centigrade) when Owairan took control of the ball in his own half,outran and outwitted five Belgian defenders, then smacked a fast-rising, right-footed shot past the goalkeeper, Michel Preud'homme.

"I have seen this goal maybe 1,000 times now, and I'm honestly fed up with it," Owairan said through an interpreter as he sat on a plush couch at the four-star hotel the Saudis are using as a training base for this year's World Cup finals in France.

The goal was more than telegenic garnish. It qualified the Saudis for the second round in their first World Cup finals appearance, and though they lost to Sweden, 3-1, in the second round, Owairan did not receive a loser's welcome when he returned to the Saudi capital of Riyadh.King Fahd gave him a luxury car.