Baoan: Steven Hall was the star as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday. With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Hall saved Bassam Hazazi's spot-kick as Australia won their first title. It was heartbreak for Saudi Arabia, who were seeking to emerge champions for a fourth time.

According to Qatar News Agency, Saudi Arabia almost got off to a dream start in the third minute when Hussain Al Raqwani's instinctive intervention sent Talal Haji clear on goal but Australian custodian Steven Hall parried the shot before it was cleared to safety. Australia had their first opening six minutes later when Alex Badolato executed a neat lob to Louis Agosti inside a packed box, but Saleh Barnawi's timely tackle nullified the threat.

Haji then wasted a golden opportunity to give Saudi Arabia the lead in the 13th minute when Amar Al Yuhaybi laid the ball for the unmarked forward, who sent his effort over the bar while at the other end, Musa Toure saw his attempt from just above the box blocked. Australia gradually got a firmer grip on the proceedings and took the lead in the 24th minute when Badolato's cross into the box was deflected onto the path of Agosti, whose shot from just outside the box sailed past despairing Saudi Arabia keeper Hamed Yousef and into the bottom left corner.

Buoyed by the goal, Australia pushed forward in numbers but Saudi Arabia remained resolute in defence, with Farhah Al Shamrani making a crucial goal line clearance to deny Paul Okon's effort from a corner. With the first half in time added on, Saudi Arabia drew level in dramatic fashion with Haji making amends for his earlier miss. The forward perfectly timed his jump to meet Nawaf Al Ghulaimish's cross and nodded home, with Hall seemingly having made the save. The assistant referee, however, flagged for the goal which was confirmed after a VAR review.

Australia rang in the changes at the start of the second half with Fabian Talladira, Jayllan Pearman, and Jonny Yull going on but it was Saudi Arabia who had an opening as Shamrani made a decisive interception in the 67th minute and sent a delightful ball through for Haqawi who, however, struck his close-range effort straight into the arms of Hall. Haji then sent his headed attempt wide in the 78th minute while Luka Jovanovic missed his header in the 90th minute as the match went into extra-time.

Both sides were limited to half chances in the additional 30 minutes and the penalty shootout went according to script until Hall got his hand to Hazazi's effort to send the ball over the bar and Australia's celebrations began.