Saudi Coach Hails Deserved Final Place

After watching his team defeat Japan 3-2 in the semi-final of the Asian Cup Saudi Arabian coach Helio Anjos declared that the result demonstrated that his team deserved to be in the final

Two goals from Malek Maaz and a strike from Yasser Al-Qahtani sent the Saudis into a Sunday final date with Iraq in Jakarta

"One thing that I have heard throughout this tournament is that we have been lucky," Helio Dos Anjos was quoted as saying by the AFC official site.

"Luck might happen in one game but not in every game and tonight we have answered the people that have said we have been lucky."

"Tonight we saw a very tough game and one of the best in the tournament so far," added dos Anjos. "I am very happy with the victory because it was over one of the best teams in the continent, especially when they have possession of the ball."

Dos Anjos has been in charge for four months and is looking forward to the west Asian final.

"Today was a victory for Arabian football, especially for Iraq because everyone knows what is happening there. These victories will bring happiness to the people of Iraq and of Saudi Arabia.

"It is nice also that while the two finalists are from the Arab school they are both being coached by Brazilians."