JEDDAH, 7 September 2006 — Saudi Arabia thrashed India 7-1 in the second round of the Asian Cup qualifying matches at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal stadium here last night. With this win, the Kingdom formally qualifies for the Asian Cup tournament next year.
Although the Kingdom’s victory was very much expected, India’s only goal scored in a superb fashion in the 22nd minute of the game evoked considerable excitement among Indian spectators. They burst into excitement and some of them even expected victory for their winless team.
Thousands of Saudi spectators appeared to be shocked by India’s opening goal.
However, the excitement in the Indian camp died down within minutes, as the Saudi forwards brought about two easy field goals — by Saleh Bashir in the 30th minute and Issa Al-Mahyani in the 33rd minute. The score at half time was 3-1. India’s only goal was netted beautifully by Manjo
In the second half, within a few seconds Bashir netted a fine goal — his second and the Kingdom’s fourth. Subsequently, goals were scored easily by Mohammed Amin in the 57th minute, Bader Al-Hagbani in the 62nd minute and the last two goals by Ahmed Al-Suwaileh in the 78th and 85th minute.
Colorful balloons were released to mark the commencement of the match as both teams took the field.
“I couldn’t believe India could score a goal against the World Cup Saudi team,” Sultan Mazharuddin, a senior executive in an advertising firm, said. “The match result was expected but I got my money’s worth when India netted the first goal of the match.” Saudi Indian Football Forum President Aslam Cherat felt that this was a good experience for India, as they could get to know the playing conditions at international locations.
Saudi spectators continued to release balloons in the air to mark their joy as goals were scored in quick succession.
“We anticipated the result, but were keen to see the match to study how the Indians play the game,” Abdul Aziz Hamadi, a Saudi spectator said. “One other interest for us was the margin of win and that was also as we expected.” “Our forwards and defenders were both weak and we paid the price,” Hamza of the local Al Doraq team said. “Our players could hardly overcome the Saudi defenses. Of course, our players found it difficult to play in humid conditions.”
Japan and South Korea
Notch Up Wins
Meantime, an injury-time goal from substitute Kazuki Ganaha gave defending champions Japan a 1-0 away victory over Yemen in their Asian Cup qualifier yesterday.
Japan, who were beaten 1-0 by Saudi Arabia in Group A on Sunday, have nine points, the same as the Saudis.
South Korea, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home in Group B by Iran on Saturday, trounced Taiwan 8-0 in Seoul thanks to a hat trick from Jung Jo-gook.
South Korea have 10 points, one point away from qualifying. The top two teams from each of the six qualifying groups advance to the finals in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. China, the 2004 runners-up, moved to the top of Group E on despite failing to break down a stubborn Singapore defense in a 0-0 draw.
“I’m very disappointed with the result,” China striker Zheng Zhi said. “They were aiming for a draw, which made our job more difficult.” China have seven points from four matches, one more than Iraq, who meet Palestine later in the United Arab Emirates. Hong Kong drew 0-0 with Uzbekistan in Group F. – With input from agencies
