AFC U23 Asian Cup
It was an eventful match for the Air Force Club player as he was involved in all three goals, winning the first penalty, fouling Haitham Asiri for Saudi Arabia’s equaliser before bundling in the winner with the 21-year-old stressing that the result showed Iraq’s mettle.
#AFCU23 | Group C : Saudi Arabia 1 - 2 Iraq
“The players took on the responsibility and put in a strong performance against one of the candidates for the final,” said Saadoon.
“We take the responsibility as a team for the goals that we concede. We learn from our mistakes and strive to do better. We take this win as a team, not as individuals.
“A strong team is one that picks itself up and pulls through. Now we stand a great chance to make the final.”
Head coach Radhi Shenaishil was equally proud after seeing his charges put in a solid performance to not only secure a place in the last eight but also top Group C ahead of their beaten opponents.
“Everybody knows that we had a difficult start and were in a difficult situation,” said Shenaishil. “It required that we win two games and we did.
"The Saudi team are among the favourites and it was such a different game from the other matches. The players put in a great performance, were well disciplined, played as a team and in good spirit. If we didn’t have all that, we wouldn't have done well.”
Saudi Arabia head coach Saad Al Shehri viewed the defeat as a reminder to his team that no complacency is allowed if they are to live up to expectations and retain the trophy they won two years ago.
“We congratulate the Iraqi team for qualifying with us,” said Al Shehri. “It was such a highly competitive game. We tried to come out with the best expected result but sometimes a defeat can come along to help us work better."
“If this was the first or second game, it could have been different. We would have a clear and primary goal. Our win against Thailand perhaps made it clear for Iraq. In the end, we wanted to end without injuries and suspensions.
“This is not to say the Iraqi team is not good. This was a difficult match with respect to the Iraqi team but we also created a lot of chances but did not finish them.”
Both teams will be keeping a close eye on Tuesday’s Group D matches where the outcome between Uzbekistan and Vietnam will decide who their respective quarter-final opponents will be.
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