Vietnam game not an easy one: Saudi Arabia coach

"This is a big step toward our goal in the tournament. The players were well-organized and had a good strategy. We owned this game.

"In the second half, Saudi Arabia played better and created more chances. After the Vietnam keeper got a red card, it was even easier for us to play."

Saudi Arabia began the game at a slow pace and let Vietnam create many chances, including a shot by Le Minh Binh that hit the bar in the 35th minute.

The turning point of the game was in the 41st minute when Moteb Al-Harbi defeated keeper Quan Van Chuan from the left flank.

Saudi Arabia got another goal in the second half from Firas Al-Buraikan’s header.

In the 77th minute Chuan got a red card.

Al-Shehri said: "Vietnam are a quality and well-organized team. We had some difficulties at first. However, we were loyal to our style of play and succeeded. In this game, we tried to keep possession, made more passes and chose the right time to attack.

"After the second goal, we slowed down to save our energy for the semifinals."

Saudi Arabia take on Australia in a semifinal on Wednesday.

 

 

Vietnam game not an easy one: Saudi Arabia coach

Việt Nam 0-2 Saudi Arabia