KSA 2-1 IRN: Rodrigues revels in tactical win

AFC - Coach Nelson Rodrigues was forced to defend his tactics after leading Saudi Arabia to a 2-1 victory in their opening AFC U-19 Championship match on Friday.

The Group A contest was short of the style usually associated with the Brazilian brand of football, but the coach was pleased with the result after claiming three points.

Mohammed Abusabaan put Saudi Arabia ahead with a penalty after eight minutes but Ehsan Haji Safi equalised from the spot and the match appeared to be heading for a draw only for the hosts to net the winner.

Nawaf Al Abid converted Sultan Al Beshi's pin-point cross after 86 minutes as the hosts overcame stubborn resistance from a strong and direct Iran side.

"I'm very satisfied with my team especially as we won three points against a very strong Iran team," said Rodrigues.

"It was a very tough match. We fought to the very last minute to get the result we wanted and that was the win.

"I'm very pleased with the performance of my players tonight."

Rodrigues insisted Saudi Arabia had to combat Iran's style in order to prevail – and he was glad to be proved right.

"Iran depended on long ball tactics but we confronted them," he added.

"Iran had a very good defence, especially in the middle, so we tried to play down the sides using the wings and we managed to win the game."

The result leaves Saudi Arabia top of Group A alongside Japan, who defeated the hosts' next opponents Yemen 5-0.

Coach Nenad Nikolic rued missed opportunities and poor performances from some of his players as Iran succumbed to defeat, denting hopes of a first title in more than 30 years.

"The match was a very hard match because we played a good team," said the Croat.

"We had some good chances to score goals but if you don't take chances you will be punished against a team like Saudi Arabia."

Mohsen Mosalman missed a glorious chance to open the scoring for Iran after four minutes, firing wide from close range and Haji Safi spurned an opportunity shortly before Al Abid's winner.

"We had two or three chances to score and we didn't take them," added Nikolic.

"Tonight we played very badly and I don't know why.

"My midfield players did not play well. I told them to play one, two-touch football and play fast and keep moving but they played badly."

Despite the setback, Nikolic believes Iran can still progress to the quarter-finals.

"We have a chance, but I must change the mentality of my players – they are a little down," he added.