DOHA - In the Round of 16 at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, Saudi Arabia, the dominant leaders of Group E, are gearing up for a significant encounter against Korea Republic scheduled for this Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia holds an impressive track record against Korea Republic in their AFC Asian Cup history, securing one victory and three draws in their four encounters. Their most recent clash took place in the 2007 group stage, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Notably, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated resilience in the knockout stages, triumphing in both of their previous knockout matches against Korea Republic. This includes a victory in the 1988 final via penalties and a successful semifinal in 2000.
Despite facing setbacks in their last two knockout games in the AFC Asian Cup, both ending in narrow 1-0 defeats, Saudi Arabia views these challenges as motivational factors. The team is determined to reverse this trend and reclaim their status as formidable competitors in the knockout stage.
Saudi Arabia has showcased remarkable precision and teamwork, boasting an 88.1% pass accuracy during the group stage of Qatar 2023. This statistic not only highlights their technical proficiency but also underscores their cohesive team play—a pivotal element in their strategy against Korea Republic.
Mancini, discussing the team's preparation and strengths, emphasized, “Our team is in good form and improving steadily. We have immense respect for Korea Republic as a strong opponent, but our focus remains on our strategy and strengths. The players are united and ready for the challenge. We are optimistic about our chances and eagerly anticipate showcasing our skills in this crucial match.”
