Flashback: Saudi Arabia's historic triumph at the 1984 AFC Asian Cup 

Over the years, the Green Falcons have built themselves a reputation across the continent, earning respect for their footballing achievements.

All of those achievements are looked at with pride by Saudi fans but the 1984 AFC Asian Cup win remains special for all those who witnessed it.

On the 33rd anniversary of that triumph, the-AFC.com looks back at how the Saudis won their first Asian title.

 

The coach

While the 1984 AFC Asian Cup in Singapore was the eighth edition of the quadrennial tournament, it marked Saudi Arabia's first appearance.

Saudi Arabia came into their debut tournament led by a coach who had only taken charge earlier that year.

Khalil Al Zayani had been overseeing his hometown club Al Ettifaq when he was called on to replace Mario Zagallo at the helm of the national team, following a disastrous start at the Gulf Cup.

Then aged only 37 years old, Al Zayani was considered as relatively young but his early performances as manager helped him earn the management's trust.

Not only did he resurrect the Saudi campaign at the Gulf Cup but Al Zayani also took the team to the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Leading up to the Asian Cup in December, public confidence in Al Zayani's abilities was rising and it was based on good instincts - as he went on to show.

 

The campaign

Saudi Arabia's opening match of the tournament in Group A pitted them against two-time champions Korea Republic and the difficulty of the clash came to the fore when the Saudis went behind to a goal from Lee Tae-ho in the 51st minute.

It would take a last minute strike from the rising star Majed Abdullah for Saudi Arabia to salvage a point - their first ever point at an AFC Asian Cup.

The next match was historic as well and it gave the Green Falcons their first continental win, as Saleh Khalifa's second half goal powered them to a 1-0 victory over Syria.