On paper, a round of 16 exit at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup would always have been a disappointment for heavyweights such as Saudi Arabia.
And it was, as they succumbed to a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to South Korea following a 1-1 draw to bow out at the first hurdle of the knockout stage.
Yet, perhaps the disappointment was more from the manner in which they were eliminated and the accompanying feeling of a missed opportunity to end a 28-year wait to be crowned continental champions, rather than the actual performance the Green Falcons produced on Tuesday night — or even throughout their campaign.
And while the knee-jerk reaction will be to question if a managerial change is required, it would be extremely hasty to question the future of Roberto Mancini.
Granted, the highly-credentialled Italian has not rubbed everyone the right way since he took over the job last August, signing a contract through to 2027.
He has a tense relationship with parts of the local media and has not been afraid to wield the axe with established stars, which has reportedly led to slight unrest among the playing group and certainly among the fans.
But putting aside Mancini’s reputation and past achievement, he is a man who certainly looks like he has a plan with Saudi Arabia.
Lest it is forgotten, given the headlines have surrounded South Korea’s incredible escape, the Green Falcons were literally a minute away from advancing to the quarterfinals — until Cho Gue-Sung‘s dramatic 99th-minute equaliser forced extra-time, and then the shootout which South Korea prevailed in.
