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'Looking for revenge' After roller-coaster ride, Saudis eye record in Asian final
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) -- Saudi Arabia is in the final of the Asian Cup after a roller-coaster ride for the defending champion. The Saudis arrived here amid much hype as the team to beat but they were routed 4-1 by Japan, had their Czech coach Milan Macala sacked and barely salvaged a berth in the last eight. Since then, however, the Saudis have witnessed a change of fortunes. While they managed only a scoreless draw with Qatar despite dominating the match, they cruised past Uzbekistan 5-0, beat Gulf rivals Kuwait 3-2 with a golden goal in extra time and defeated South Korea 2-1 with two goals in four minutes from newcomer Talal al-Meshal to reach a record fifth consecutive Asian Cup final. "We have the Asian Cup and we do not intend to let go of that cup," said Saudi coach Nasser al-Johar, Macala's replacement. In Sunday's final, the Saudis will be looking to avenge their humiliating loss against the Japanese and following the turnaround of their form, their confidence is soaring. "We're looking for revenge," said team captain Sami al-Jaber, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English first division. No team has ever won the Asian Cup four times and the Saudis, winners of three titles, a feat equaled only by Iran, now have a shot at entering the record books. History is on their side. The title has went to an Arab team every time the competition was held in an Arab country. But they will now have to deal with a prolific Japanese team that has scored 20 goals in five matches and looks invincible. "If the Japanese team is like a computer, we have our own Saudi computer and we will choose the right time to put their computer out of order," al-Johar said. If al-Johar manages to secure the cup, he will be the second Saudi native coach to bring the title home after Khalil al-Zayani, who won it in 1984. Following the Saudis' initial dismal performance, the Saudi media lashed out at the team, accusing it of complacency and criticizing the squad's tactics and commitment. However, the tide has turned and according to Saudi officials, the team has regained its footing and silenced doubters. "The Saudi team has proved it is the champion of Asia and the efforts of the Saudi officials have born fruit," said Prince Nawaf bin Faisal, vice president of the Saudi soccer federation. The Saudi federation has invested millions of dollars to develop its national team, and hired -- and fired -- some of the world's top coaches, including Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. It remains to be seen whether Saudi determination, which saw the team defeat Kuwait and South Korea, two Asian soccer powerhouses in nearly 200 minutes of play, will be able to deal with Japanese organization, clinical finishing and blistering speed.
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