Saudi Arabia made a comfortable start at the 2019 Asian Cup as they shared out the goals in a 4-0 defeat of 10-man North Korea.
The lively Hattan Bahebri expertly curled in a 28th-minute opener against solid opponents at Rashid Stadium, stacked deep in a 5-4-1 formation. Perugia loanee Han Kwang-song then came to the fore, missing a sitter before the excellent Mohammed Al Fatil flicked in the second. Han was then sent off for a second yellow card in eight, wild, minutes.
In the second half, Salem Al Dawsari showcased his talents to skip inside and deftly find the bottom corner before Fahad Al Muwallad made up for several misses with a late lashed finish.
Here is the report card from this Group E clash:
SAUDI ARABIA (4-1-4-1)
Mohammed Al Owais – 6: Watching brief for the Al Ahli Jeddah shot stopper. Was thankful to see Han’s free header go over, mind.
Mohammed Al Breik – 6: Kept it simple and, largely, left the adventurous stuff to roaming Al Hilal team-mate Al Shahrani.
Mohammed Al Fatil – 7: Produced a back-heeled volley that Saudi legend Sami Al Jaber would have been proud of.
Ali Al Bulaihi – 6: Precious little defending to do as Korea sat back, then went down to 10 men. Easy night’s work.
Yasser Al Shahrani – 7: Arguably Asia’s finest full-back eased his way into the competition. Supported Al Dawsari superbly.
Abdullah Otayf – 7: With Al Faraj injured, this was a big test for the accurate anchor man. Sterner ones, however, are to come.
Hattan Bahebri – 7: What a way to get your first international goal. Delightful curled shot broke deadlock. Lively presence.
Abdulaziz Al Bishi – 7: The Al Faisaly midfielder looks so comfortable at this level. Had a strong hand in opener.
Housain Al Mogahwi – 6: Floated in free-kick that Al Fatil impudently converted. Recycled ball exceedingly well against 10 men.
Salem Al Dawsari – 7: Quiet first half for Hilal flyer was forgotten when his dancing feet earned space and he curled home third. A fine player.
Fahad Al Muwallad – 6: Makeshift centre forward fluffed big chances in both halves, before belatedly smashing in from close range.
SUBSTITUTES
Abdulrahman Ghareeb – 6: Didn’t have a great deal to do in his 20 minutes on the pitch.
Mohammed Al Saiari – N/A: Squad’s only recognised No9 didn’t get any chances.
Hamdan Al Shamrani – N/A: Given a few minutes at the death.
GOAL ⚽! 70' Saudi Arabia’s captain Al Dawsari scores his side’s third!
— #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 8, 2019
🇸🇦 KSA 3 - 0 PRK 🇰🇵#AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/ct4btJs8dg
NORTH KOREA (5-4-1)
Ri Myong-guk – 7: The World Cup 2010 veteran and Chollima skipper produced string of fine saves. Highlight came versus Al Muwallad.
Ri Il-jin – 5: The right wing-back was given a real test by the Al Mogahwi/Al Dawsari partnership on his flank.
Kim Song-gi – 6: The tall Japan-based centre-back held nothing back. Tried his best to hold the fort against Saudis.
Jang Kuk-chol – 6: Another one to do well in the face of adversity. Helped by sheer weight of men around him.
An Song-il – 5: Tried to keep Al Muwallad quiet. When ball was in the air, did well. Taken off at half-time.
Kim Chol-bom – 5: Saudis were forced to find space out wide. This left Kim exposed, at times. Tried to race forward.
Han Kwang-song – 2: In nine-minute spell, Perugia loanee missed a sitter, Saudis made it 2-0 and was dismissed.
Ri Yong-jik – 5: The Tokyo Verdy defensive midfielder was comprehensively overshadowed by Otayf. Looked lost, at times.
Ri Un-chol – 5: Didn’t provide enough of an attacking threat, or ample cover to his side when they became stretched at 10 men.
Jong Il-gwan – 6: The FC Luzern winger showed a few deft touches in the first half. Team-mates couldn’t make most of them.
Pak Kwang-ryong – 5: A difficult night for the St Polten centre forward. Ran down several blind alleys and always well marked.
SUBSTITUTES
Kim Kyong-Hun – 6: Tried, in vain, to keep his side in the contest when brought on at interval.
Ri Chang-Ho – 6: Couldn’t inject life into a listless, numerically disadvantaged side.
Rim Kwang-hyok – N/A: Only given injury time.
