2) Saudi Arabia fight back in the first half
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After the initial shock, the west Asian side started to assert their authority on the game. While the Indian defence stood firm against the few attacks in the first 30 minutes, it was the Saudi side that soon took control. The Saudi players were able to physically dominate the game and won many one-on-one battles with the Indian players. And the goal came soon enough.
It was yet another attack down the left flank that proved to be India’s undoing. Dhari Alanazi was released down the left and he managed to beat his man to get into the box before looping in a cross to the far post where Aldhuwayhi got himself in a position to fire home a powerful header. Indian goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangtem put in a spectacular reflex dive to make a save but couldn’t get a hand to it.
Saudi Arabia then started to dominate possession and even saw nearly 65% of the ball in the first half as India sat back to defend their lead before the half-time whistle. And in stoppage time, the visitors almost equalised...
