Head coach Kika was delighted with Saudi Arabia's display in the 4-0 win over Turkmenistan that kept them in the hunt for a place in the quarter-finals.TASHKENT – Joaquim “Kika” Filho was delighted as Saudi Arabia delivered a much-improved clinical display to down Turkmenistan 4-0 on Tuesday and remain in the hunt for an AFC U-16 Championship quarter-final berth.
Saudi Arabia were blown away in their opening defeat by Australia but a brace from Ahmed Aloufi and goals from Yasir Al Shanrani and Mohammed Al Asiri secured the three points to hand Kika’s side the edge heading into Thursday’s decider against China.
“Our performance improved from the first match against Australia. Turkmenistan did not have the same amount of stamina as they did in the first match and we also committed fewer mistakes and took advantage of the chances we created,” Kika said.
“Some of the players were more relaxed than they were in the first game. In the first game we played against Australia who are a tough team and one of the favourites to win the tournament.”
Saudi Arabia can join Australia in the last eight with a draw against China as they hold the crucial advantage in terms of goal difference, but Kika is well aware of the perils his side face if they set out to secure just the one point they need.
“We are looking for a win in the last match as we need the three points to make our qualification secure,” he said.
“But if the game is scoreless, we will try and keep it that way as that is also good for us.”
Defender Motaz Hawsawi is a doubt for Thursday’s game after being taken to hospital with a knee injury, but Kika insists Abdullah Madu will comfortably step into the role as his did against Turkmenistan.
“He will be a big loss, but the player who came on for him is capable of providing cover,” added Kika.
Kika refused to reveal if Al Asiri will get the nod against China after scoring three minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute against Turkmenistan.
Meanwhile, Turkmenistan coach Amanklych Kochumov was unconcerned by his side’s second defeat of the tournament, insisting the experience for players at this level far outweighs results.
”The results are not important in a competition like this, the experience is much more important for players at this age,” he said.
“We made a lot of mistakes, the defenders and the goalkeeper all made mistakes, but in this competition it is important for the players to learn.”
Source:The AFC.com
