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Despite both being on the wrong end of 1-nil scorelines in their opening games, Saudi Arabia and Korea DPR remain confident of advancing to the last eight of the 2015 Asian Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6.00pm (AEDT) as both sides chase vital points.
The North Korean’s confidence of progressing to the knock-out stages of the competition remains unshaken, despite being outplayed during most of their opening match against Uzbekistan. Played in dismal conditions, Jo Tong-sop’s side were unable to build any sort of sustained pressure against the White Wolves, who thoroughly deserved their win.
Tong-sop’s side gave away too much space against the technically superior Uzbeks and if he is any chance of steering his side to the quarter finals he must get his defensive and midfield lines playing closer together, especially if his strategy remains to catch sides on the break.
Standing at 6 foot 2 inches, striker Pak Kwang-ryong was the standout, literally, for the Chollima in their opening game but he will be looking for more support from Jong Il-kwan and European based Cha Jong-hyok if the North Korean’s are to continue their unbeaten streak against Saudi Arabia.
However, the Saudis will have other plans as they search for their first victory against the North Koreans.
Touted as one of the teams to watch and with a squad packed with talent, Saudi coach Cosmin Olaroiu believes his side were desperately unlucky in their opening game against China in Brisbane.
Indeed, Al Akhdar outplayed the Chinese and finished with 55% possession but were let down by their potency in the attacking third and left to rue Naif Hazazi’s missed penalty in the 62nd minute.
However with two games left to play Olaroiu is confident his team will not repeat their 2011 Asian Cup performance where they failed to win a game, telling journalists his team can win the next two games.
It’s a message echoed by defender Saeed Al Muwallad who concedes the Saudi’s were simply not good enough in the first half against the Chinese and failed to take their chances in the second.
Both sides will be desperate for the three points on offer in Melbourne. The North Korean’s will need to focus all their power on overcoming a Saudi side that are at risk of once again failing to perform at a major tournament.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6.00pm (AEDT) as these two nations fight to stay in the hunt for Asian glory.
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