Saudi Arabia v South Korea: Mancini apologises for on foot off earlier than shoot-out defeat

Italian believed in shape had ended when Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s spot-kick was saved as Saudis exit Asian Cup in ultimate 16

Roberto Mancini apologised for disappearing down the tunnel earlier than Saudi Arabia’s destiny was once sealed in Tuesday’s penalty shoot-out defeat to South Korea that eliminated his facet from the Asian Cup.

Reacting to Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s saved spot-kick, which left South Korea one penalty to progress, Mancini walked returned to the dressing room at Education City Stadium.

The Italian consequently ignored Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead Hwang Hee-chan securing his team’s region in the quarter-finals – an action that quickly led to tons criticism for the coach’s behaviour.

However, speaking after the 4-2 penalty loss – Sami Al Najei’s effort was once also saved through South Korea goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, Mancini said: “I apologise, I concept it used to be finished.

“I did not desire to disrespect anyone. I favor to say thank you to all my players for what they did. They are enhancing a lot.”

Mancini’s men had come highly shut to winning the last-16 tie in normal time. The had gone 1-0 up a minute into the second half of in Al Rayyan, when alternative Abdullah Radif completed expertly with his 2d touch of the game.

Saudi Arabia, three-time Asian champions, held on until the closing minute of the 10 allotted for stoppage time, when Cho Gue-sung headed domestic a 99th-minute equaliser to pressure greater time.

Mancini, who was appointed in August, said: “When you lose a penalty [shoot-out] you are sad because it is difficult, but this is football.

“We have to accept this. I am very completely happy with my gamers because they played a very excellent recreation in opposition to one of the great groups in the world.”

Mancini added: “I am very comfortable because we multiplied a lot.

“We worked one month together, and this was genuinely important. Now we are a team. It’s clear we have to improve more.”

Mancini, 59, was once trying to seize his second main worldwide title as a supervisor after leading Italy to success in the European Championship in 2021.

Seeking to cease a 64-year wait for the trophy, South Korea will meet Australia in the last eight on Friday. Yet the two-time champions have solely two days to recover for the clash, when their opponents, title winners in 2015, contested their last-16 come across with Indonesia on Sunday. They received 4-0.

“That’s the purpose why I badly wanted to win our group,” South Korea manager Jurgen Klinsmann said. “Some people said I used to be glad now not to pinnacle the crew and avoid Japan. We didn’t win the crew and we’ve got paid the price.

“But this win has given this team extra spirit. I experience coaching this crew and they badly desire to do well for their country. We desired to win earlier than penalties; we did not be counted on a shoot-out.

“We will recover because we have a right atmosphere. We’re looking ahead to Australia. This win tonight gives us a lot of optimism, belief and power – which we will need to beat Australia.”