Saudi Arabia boss Juan Antonio Pizzi was left feeling “satisfied” after his 2019 Asian Cup contenders claimed a creditable goalless draw in their final warm-up against fellow-heavyweights South Korea.
The Green Falcons put on a dominant display at Bani Yas Stadium, edging possession and restricting their fellow World Cup 2018 entrants to just eight attempts. There was also a positive international debut for Al Hazm striker Mohammed Al Saiari as the spearhead of the side.
“We have completed the last period as planned. We are satisfied with what has been achieved and hope now to achieve the best that we can in the tournament,” said Pizzi, according to Arab News.
“The first week consisted of the physical aspect of the programme where the focus was on managing and improving the fitness of each player.”
The Saudis’ commitments in Group E begin on January 8 at Rashid Stadium against North Korea.
Meanwhile, Hibernian winger Martin Boyle has suffered late heartbreak after holders Australia revealed on Tuesday night that he would miss the tournament because of injury.
Boyle, 25, took a late blow to the knee in Sunday’s 5-0 friendly thrashing of Oman. Subsequent scans showed that he had no chance of recovering in time to compete in the tournament.
Socceroos tactician Graham Arnold lamented the loss of an attacker who’d struck twice in three internationals since his debut last month.
Boyle sustained a contact injury to his knee late in Australia’s win over Oman. Following a review with Australia’s medical team in the Middle East, the decision has been made to withdraw him from the tournament.
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He said: “Martin has made a great impact in his time with us and it is unfortunate timing, but his Socceroos journey is not over and we look forward to him pressing for selection for matches later in 2019 and as we go through the process of qualification for the next World Cup.”
Australia – drawn in Group B – start their title defence against Jordan on January 6 at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
