Bekasi, W Java (ANTARA News) - Saudi Arabia stepped into the men`s soccer quarter finals at the Asian Games 2018 after defeating China 4-3 at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, on Friday.

Saudi coach Alshehri Saad Ali enthusiastically welcomed the victory, which he said will move the Saudi team closer to the finals.

"We have set ourselves the target of finishing in the finals. With this triumph, we are getting closer to it," he said after the match.

He also praised his team for being able to balance China`s attack.

"The rival fielded players are far younger, but we managed to balance their attack because we have better stamina," he said.

Alshehri said his team`s experience in playing against China during a friendly match, ahead of the Asian Games 2018, provided him with much information about the rival`s game.

"We balanced their game with a combination of high balls and short balls, as well as a shock attack, executed well by the team," he said.

Chinese soccer coach Maddaloni Massimiliano said the combination of high balls and short balls caused difficulties for his team, as they worked to develop their game.

"They played high balls, which are difficult for our players to reach," he said.

The Saudi team scored four goals by Camara in the 16th, 34th and 59th minutes, and Alselouli in the 28th minute, while China`s goals were contributed by Yao in the 80th minute, Huang Zicheng in the 87th minute and Wei Shihao during the injury time.

Reporting by Andi Firdaus
Editing by Suharto

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Bustanuddin
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