Match Report
The table read 1st (Saudi Arabia U23, 6 pts) against 3rd (Tajikistan U23, 3 pts), 3 points apart. Recent form told a different story for Tajikistan U23: only 9th in the league over the last five rounds despite sitting 3rd. Per game in the league, Saudi Arabia U23 were scoring 3.33 and conceding 1.33, Tajikistan U23 1.67 and 2.67, against a competition average of 1.31 goals per team per game.
The venue was Yuanshen Sports Centre Stadium in Shanghai, with room for 45,857 spectators. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Saudi Arabia U23 led 2-1 at the break, before 3 more goals closed it at 4-2.