Haji sends Saudi Arabia into Asia U-17 Cup last eight

Talal Haji was the star of the show for Saudi Arabia on Monday, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Tajikistan to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the U-17 Asian Cup.

The 15 year-old striker found the target twice in the second half with well-taken goals in Chonburi, Thailand, to make it two wins from two in Group C. Those six points in the bank mean coach Abdel Wahab Al-Harbi can start preparing for the knockout stage.

So far in the tournament, the young Green Falcons have looked solid at the back for the most part and have got forward whenever possible. With the four teams that reach the semifinals also booking spots at the World Cup later this year, the stakes are high.

Knowing that Australia’s rollicking 5-3 win over China earlier in the day meant that a win would guarantee a place in the quarterfinals, Saudi Arabia started brightly and were soon asking questions of the Tajik backline in the hope of taking control of the game. There were half-chances and blocked shots for the most part but, just after the half-hour mark, the boys in green started to take the pressure up a level.

Following a corner, Nawaf Al-Jaadani came close to adding to the goal he scored against Australia, but his fierce shot from outside the area was just a little too high with the goalkeeper struggling.

Four minutes before the break, they came even closer to getting the opener. Ramez Al-Attar lifted the ball smartly over the defence to find Nawaf Al-Bishri steaming in on the left side of the area but the forward, who opened the scoring against the young Socceroos in the earlier 2-0 win, had his head in his hands after side footing against the post from close range.

Despite being on top for much of the half, Saudi Arabia very nearly went in behind at the break as Tajikistan counter-attacked at speed. Masrur Gafurov picked up the ball from a rash backpass, raced between two defenders but, with just the goalkeeper to beat from inside the area, pushed his shot wide.

At the start of the second half, Saudi Arabia were soon back on top and finally broke the deadlock with a very well-worked goal just after the hour. Saad Al-Muthary sent over a beautiful cross from the left and there was Haji, rising high above the defenders to send a perfect header down into the bottom corner.

Both teams pushed forward knowing the next goal would be decisive but it was Saudi Arabia team who sealed the win in the 90th minute. Haji picked up a long pass out of defence, muscled Dilovar Dzhamshedzoda off the ball just inside the Tajik half, went around the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the empty net. It was an impressive strike and ended a perfect evening for both player and team, though there are sure to be tougher tests to come.

Saudi Arabia finish the group stage against China on Thursday.