DUBAI • Saudi Arabia coach Juan Antonio Pizzi has praised his players for their commitment to learn and improve, following the 4-0 Asian Cup Group E thrashing of North Korea on Tuesday.
The Saudis, humbled at last year's World Cup in Russia, looked far more at home in neighbouring United Arab Emirates as they tore 10-man North Korea apart.
It was a performance that tagged Saudi Arabia as one of the teams to beat at the continental showpiece along with Iran, who thrashed Yemen 5-0 on Monday.
"I'm very happy personally because normally the first game of a tournament, there are nervous moments," Pizzi told Abu Dhabi's The National newspaper.
"But I'm so happy and, hopefully, we will continue at the same level.
"There's no doubt that the time you spend with a certain team allows you to get confidence, in yourself and your players as well.
"But we notice from all the period we spent with the Saudi national team that our players are willing to learn and are ready to do exactly what we ask as a technical staff from them.
"And they are doing it with very high commitment - even the new, younger players.
"After the loss we suffered in the first game of the 2018 World Cup, the team understood perfectly that they have to do everything, do their maximum, be organised and obey the orders we ask of them to be a better team."
The Green Falcons attacked relentlessly in the opening stages and Hatan Bahbri put them in front in the 28th minute, turning defender Ri Il Jin inside out and firing into the far corner.
They were 2-0 up nine minutes later when Hussain Almoqahwi's free kick glanced off the outstretched boot of Mohammed Al-Fatil and past Ri Myong Guk in the North Korean goal.
North Korea already had a mountain to climb, but their plight worsened just before half-time when Han Kwang Song received his second yellow card for bringing down midfielder Almoqahwi.
Salem Al-Dawsari made it 3-0 with a smart finish on 69 minutes before Fahad Al-Muwallad bagged a soft fourth goal against an exhausted Korean defence three minutes from time.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Football: Japan's Maya Yoshida warns young teammates - pressure comes with the territory Japan captain Maya Yoshida wants his young teammates to take advantage of the opportunity in the UAE to
Pressure comes with the territory warns Japan's Yoshida
Tottenham's Harry Kane is fouled by Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga resulting in a penalty during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, at Wembley Stadium, in London, Britain, on January 8, 2019.
Kane penalty kick gives Tottenham edge over Chelsea in League
Football: New favourites Liverpool face two stiff tests of
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) After getting a rare victory, the Detroit Lions are eager to celebrate some more success. And, they'll have a chance to do it at home. Detroit (2-7) will face the Oakland
Lions hungry to keep winning after earning rare victory | Fox
Football: Choupo-Moting in goal-line howler as PSG throw away chance to wrap up French title. Apr 8, 2019, 7:38 pm. More racial abuse cases heighten calls for action. Apr 8, 2019, 5:00 am ;
Serie A » News » Ronaldo back in Madrid ready to tackle
Home Sport Football Hugo Lloris warns Tottenham they must up 1 at Wembley to remain on the fringes of the Premier League title race. improve team performance. We won but against a bigger
Hugo Lloris warns Tottenham teammates they have no margin for
Latest reports have hinted that Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi will only find it easy to commit his future at Stamford Bridge if manager Maurizio Sarri leaves the club. It has been confirmed that the young England international does not have a good relationship with the Italian boss.
Sarri backs academy trio to be foundation of Chelsea's future
Saswa eyes SPL title glory. Ex-Singapore international Saswadimata Dasuki, who won the Malaysia Cup with the Lions in 1994, has been appointed the new head coach of Home United. The 49-year-old
Saswa eyes SPL title glory - theworldnews.net
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 10, 2019, with the headline 'Sterling gets van Dijk's vote for PFA award'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
Sterling gets Van Dijk's vote for PFA player of the year
Alas, Poor Villain: Goro earns some sympathy from the party during his final battle, and they're even willing to bury the hatchet and join forces with him against his Arch Nemesis Dad. Okumura's brutal death also inspires some pity from the thieves, especially since he was their newest member's father.
A Gift for Dying by M.J. Arlidge - goodreads.com
Mo' Salah was the last man standing from final shortlist of three players - Sadio Mane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mohamed Salah. The Egypt and Liverpool forward was presented the prize last night in Dakar Senegal by former World and African footballer of the year George Weah. Salah has now won the award for the second time in a row.
BREAKING: Mohamed Salah retains CAF player of the Year award
Football: Man City look like world's best side but Liverpool
Roberto Martinez is unperturbed by the constant speculation regarding Leighton Baines, his contract situation and potential suitors as he becomes the subject of more and more column inches following his impressive displays for England over the past week. The closure last month of the transfer window
Bleacher Report | Sports. Highlights. News. Now.
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen