2024-01-25 17:02:00
Saudi Arabian team playing once morest Thailand./Reuters Yonhap News
Korea’s opponent in the round of 16 of the Asian Cup was decided to be Saudi Arabia.
Korea, led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann (60, Germany), drew 3-3 in the final third game of Group E of the 2023 Asian Cup group stage once morest Malaysia, coached by coach Kim Pang-gon (55), at Al-Janub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar on the 25th. After taking a 1-0 lead and falling behind by two goals, the opponent’s own goal and Son Heung-min’s penalty kick goal turned the game around to 3-2. However, a goal was conceded just before the end of the game, resulting in a draw.
Korea, ranked 23rd in the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) rankings, finished the group stage in second place in Group E. After defeating Bahrain (86th place) 3-1 on the 15th, they drew 2-2 with Jordan (87th place) on the 20th. And they failed to accumulate 3 points once morest Malaysia (130th), the weakest team in the group. Korea had only 1 win, 2 draws (5 points) and was in 2nd place following Bahrain, which recorded 2 wins and 1 loss (6 points).
The second-place team from Group E will face the first-place team from Group F in the first match of the tournament. Saudi Arabia was ranked first in Group F. Saudi Arabia (56th) drew 0-0 in the final third game of Group F with Thailand (113th) at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayan, Qatar on the 26th. Saudi Arabia secured first place in Group F with 2 wins and 1 draw (7 points). With 1 win, 2 draws (5 points), Thailand was in 2nd place.
Saudi Arabia was able to escape in the early stages. Early in the first half, he was awarded a penalty kick due to an opponent foul. Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al Dosari (33) created a heart-warming scene by giving the ball to young player Abdullah Radif (21). Radif’s penalty kick in the 12th minute of the first half was blocked by the Thai goalkeeper. Afterwards, Saudi Arabia and Thailand each hit the net twice, but both were canceled due to offside fouls. In the end, the game ended without either team scoring.
Saudi Arabia is a team led by great general Roberto Mancini (60, Italy). He won numerous trophies while leading Italy’s Inter, England’s Manchester City, and the Italian national team. It was reported that he agreed to receive an annual salary of 25 million euros (regarding 36 billion won) when he signed a contract with Saudi Arabia in August last year. Coach Mancini’s Saudi Arabia is undefeated in the last 8 games (6 wins, 2 draws).
The round of 16 match between Korea and Saudi Arabia will be held on the 31st. If Korea advances to the next round, it is highly likely that they will meet Australia (25th) in the quarterfinals.
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