Saudi Arabia won 2-1 against Oman in the first Group F match of the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup at 2:30 a.m. on the 17th (Korea Standard Time) at Alaiyan Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia conceded the first goal in the 14th minute of the first half. A penalty kick was declared when the Saudi defender knocked over the Omani striker in the center while Oman crossed from the right side. Al-Yahayi, who played kicker, scored, and Oman took the lead first.
It wasn't until the 33rd minute of the second half that Saudi opened Oman's goal. Garib, who was replaced in the second half, beat three defenders in the penalty box and cut Oman's net with a low shot.
Saudi Arabia, which balanced the match, even scored a dramatic come-from-behind goal in the extra time of the second half. Rajami turned the ball from a corner kick to his head, and Al-Bulaihi headed home from the back.
The deputy referee initially declared offside. After VAR, the referee determined al-Bulaihi's position was onside, and eventually conceded the Saudi scoring.
The Saudis secured their first group win with a 2-1 victory over Oman. Although they struggled with Oman, ranked 74th with a low FIFA ranking, they earned three points in their first difficult qualifying match.
Saudi Arabia beat Argentina's national team led by Lionel Messi 2-1 in the first group match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Argentina won the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but was the only country that lost to Saudi Arabia.
However, Saudi Arabia failed to advance to the round of 16. After the World Cup in Qatar, Saudi Arabia went downhill. Eventually, Saudi Arabia pulled out a sword. He took the helm of the team, Mancini, who won numerous trophies in Europe.
At that time, Mancini had the experience of leading the Italian national team to a victory at the UEFA Euro 2020. Although he was eliminated in the European regional qualifying round for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he had a successful coaching career.
When he was playing for Manchester City, he ended his career in the English Premier League. Starting with the FA Cup in the 2010-2011 season, he acquired a dramatic Premier League victory in the 2011-2012 season.
Saudi Arabia promised to pay Mancini 25 million pounds (42.9 billion won) in annual salary. However, Mancini's career as a Saudi coach was not easy. He had no win in his first eight matches since taking the helm.
He seems to have improved a little as of November. He has won two consecutive games at the second qualifying match for the 2026 North-China World Cup in Asia. He also won a match against Oman on the day, maintaining his upward trajectory.
Of course, it must develop. Saudi Arabia's goal will be to advance to the semifinals or higher, not pass the group stage. If Mancini fails to achieve his goal, there is a possibility that he will be kicked out of Saudi Arabia. We need to make efforts.
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