Korea Republic sprung a surprise in their starting line-up with head coach Lee Chang-won opting to keep four-goal forward Kim Tae-won on the bench while Saudi Arabia’s Marcos Soares gave defender Saud Al Tumbkti a start with centre-backs Saud Harun and Mohammed Barnawi both suspended.

The match got off to a fast start, with Saudi Arabia’s Amar Al Yuhaybi - who scored the winner in the quarter-final against China PR, unleashing a half volley that was comfortably caught by Hong Seong-min before Shin Min-ha had a header saved by Yousef.

The exchanges, however, did not last for long as both teams retreated into defensive mode with neither willing to take unnecessary risks.

It wasn’t until the 29th minute that either side was able to fashion a clear opening with Son Seung-min’s strike tipped over the bar by Yousef before Bassam Hazazi saw his deflected shot from distance narrowly missing the target.

Korea Republic missed a great opportunity to go ahead in the 53rd minute after Yoon Do-young - who was sent on for the second half - threaded a pass which Saleh Barnawi failed to intercept but Jin Tae-ho stabbed his shot wide of the post.

The East Asian side had further efforts from Tae-won - who came on the 56th minute - and a free-kick attempt from Yoon but neither was able to trouble Yousef as the match went into extra-time.

The additional 30 minutes saw no breakthrough with Korea Republic coming closest in the 99th minute when Nawaf Al Ghulaymish cleared off the line after Lee Geon-hee’s touch lacked power from a Tae-won cutback as the match headed for a shootout.

Yousef saved Tae-won’s opening effort while Lee Chang-woo hit the post as Saudi Arabia led 2-0. 

Missed penalties from Saleh Barnawi and Saud Al Tumbkti, however, saw Korea Republic pull themselves back into the tie but the momentum swung in Saudi Arabia’s favour again when Yousef saved Kim Gyeol’s attempt with Ali Al Mahdawi netting the decisive spot-kick to take Saudi Arabia into the final.