Saudi Arabia boss Mancini says wants shots to become goals against South Korea

January 25 – Saudi Arabia boss Roberto Mancini is confident of his side’s chances against South Korea in the round of 16, despite his side’s underwhelming draw against Thailand yesterday (Thursday).

The point collected at the Education City Stadium condemned the Saudis to a tough round of 16 draw against the Koreans, whose costly slip-up versus Malaysia saw Klinsmann’s side drop to second in Group E.

Speaking post-game, Mancini warned his next opponent that his side are not fazed.

“We feel good about Korea. If you want to go through you have to play against top teams at some point. If you want to win, at some point you have to beat them,” said Mancini.

“I think that they are a very good team. good experienced players that play in Europe- different to us. But it’s one game of football – just 90 minutes and anything can happen.

“It will be difficult as they are very good but we will make it difficult for them too.”

Having progressed unbeaten through the group and with knockout football guaranteed going into the match, Mancini opted to make nine changes from the side that faced Kyrgyz Republic last Sunday.

“We didn’t lose, but we could have won which means we’re disappointed. No matter who we’re against, we always play to try and win, even with all the changes and substitutions.

“The other team can play how they want, whether for a draw or win. It was a strange game but we played very well.

“Whether the next match was against Korea or Iran or Japan or any other top team, we will always look to play our game whoever we face.

“We had a very good performance – 17 shots against three. In football you have to score, I’m hoping we can keep the same form for the next game but start to score.”

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1706222958labto1706222958ofdlr1706222958owedi1706222958sni@g1706222958niwe.1706222958yrrah1706222958

Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/01/25/saudi-arabia-boss-mancini-says-wants-shots-become-goals-south-korea/

Author : Paul Nicholson

Publish date : 2024-01-25 10:32:58

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