Stephen Hall saved a decisive spot kick as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 in a penalty shootout, winning the AFC U20 Asian Cup at Baoon Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.
The match ended 1-1 in normal times, with neither team able to break the deadlock in the extra time. In the shootout, both teams converted their first four attempts, but in the decisive fifth round, Australia scored and Saudi Arabia’s Bassamhazazi was saved by a goalkeeper hole to secure Australia’s 5-4 victory.
Australia broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Alexander Badrato’s cross was deflected into Louis Agosti’s path, with the boxed cross.
Saudi Arabia became equal as Hall was unable to prevent the Talalhaj header from crossing the finish line.
Both sides missed just a handful of opportunities in the second half, and then the extra 30-minute fruitless time led to a decisive shootout.
Iran’s national team left the tournament in China on Sunday when Japan was beaten on a penalty shootout in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 quarterfinals.
MNA