Head coach Kika endured a few anxious moments as Saudi Arabia scraped into the last eight with a 1-1 draw against China.TASHKENT - Head coach Joaquim "Kika" Filho was a relieved man after Saudi Arabia recorded a nervy 1-1 draw with China on Thursday to secure a place in the AFC U-16 Championship quarter-finals.
With both teams level on three points but with Saudi Arabia holding the edge on goal difference, Kika set his side up to control the game and despite China having several chances in the first half, his plan looked to be working as goalkeeper Fawaz Al Khaibari was rarely under threat.
But following a half-time attacking change, China took the lead through substitute Yu Baobao as he took advantage of a slip from Abdullah Madu.
Saudi Arabia struggled to create chances to get back into the contest but with 19 minutes remaining substitute Yousef Al Khamis headed home Musab Al Otaibi’s cross to send his side through as China failed to responded despite late possession.
"It was a very difficult game for us," he said. "We knew we had to at least finish with a draw because that would mean we progressed to the next round and I was pleased we managed to achieve that. I am happy we are in the next round as our goal is to go to the World Cup.
"We just tried to control the ball, play very tight in defence and not commit too much in attack that would leave us in a dangerous situation in defence."
Despite Madu’s error, Kika was also pleased his defence continued their improvement following the opening day 3-1 defeat by Group C winners Australia as they frustrated China for the majority of the contest.
"The defence played very well," added Kika. "In the first game against Australia there were a lot of mistakes, but we have improved as the tournament has progressed and I hope this will continue in the quarter-finals as it will be very difficult."
Opposite number Zhang Ning was pleased with China’s display even though they fell narrowly short of their goal.
"We have performed better and better over the three matches," he said. "We led for a long period, but Saudi Arabia managed to equalise. But this is because the players are young and lack experience so I am satisfied with the way we played.
"We had the ability in the team to go through to the quarter-finals but this was a very good group and the teams were very even."
Source:The AFC.com
