The goals flew in for Saudi Arabia as they opened their Asian Cup campaign with a 4-0 thumping of 10-man North Korea – and rising Al Hilal star Salem Al Dawsari got the pick of them.

At Dubai’s Rashid Stadium, the ex-Villarreal loanee eased his way into the competition. It was one shot and one goal from him, but what a goal.

A feint inside earned space and then a precise finish found the bottom corner. Here, we review the 27-year-old’s display.

STATISTICS

01 – attempts

02 – free-kicks won

57.1% – duel success

79 – total passes

92.4% – pass accuracy

30-SECOND REPORT

After their exploits in making it to the World Cup and then defeating Egypt, thanks to Al Dawsari’s strike, much was expected of the Green Falcons.

They took flight on Tuesday evening at Rashid Stadium against opponents of whom so little was known pre-match.

Winger Hattan Bahebri and centre-back Mohammed Al Fatil struck, prior to Cagliari-owned Han Kwang-song’s second yellow. After the break, Al Dawsari and Al Muwallad completed the rout in Group E.

GOT RIGHT

A growing influence

With anchor man Salman Al Faraj out of the tournament through injury and Nawaf Al Abed so unfortunately sidelined throughout this golden period for the Saudis, a space has opened up for Al Dawsari to fill as his nation’s heartbeat.

Against North Korea, only three players made more passes than the new No10 and just two made more accurate forward passes. Impressive statistics for someone, ostensibly, stationed on the right wing.

GOT WRONG

A greater threat

Al Dawsari appeared to be a picture of efficiency against the men from the Hermit kingdom.

He attempted only one shot throughout the entire match, and it went in. Impressive stuff.

This picture becomes less rosy when you see that Al Dawsari led the way for the Saudis with 17 lost balls.

The onus on him was to make things happen against a stacked defence. But this job must be pulled off with greater care.

KEY MOMENT

70^th min GOAL: The Saudis bring the ball forward, with haste, from the back. It’s eventually worked inside for the loitering Al Dawsari. Ri Un-chol is made to look a fool with a cut back inside the penalty box and then the ball bobbles into the far corner, with the minimum of fuss.

VERDICT: 7/10

This was surely an exhibition of a player working his way into the competition.

Al Dawsari oozes class and confidence. The fact he lost the ball so many times can be seen as a player given licence to try things by head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi.

More time on the pitch in the UAE should generate grander performances as the competition goes. Al Dawsari will hope his team reside across the border for the duration.