Branko Ivankovic Praises Chinese Players After Loss to Saudi Arabia
China’s coach Ivankovic praised his players for their efforts in a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia, a game impacted by a red card. This defeat places China at the bottom of Group C, leading to significant pressure in the remaining matches. The coach called for focus on the next match against Australia, emphasizing resilience and bravery shown by the team.
Branko Ivankovic, the head coach of China’s national football team, expressed pride in his players despite their 1-0 defeat against Saudi Arabia. This loss significantly jeopardizes their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the match, China was level at halftime, but the momentum shifted after Lin Liangming received a red card just before the break, leading to Salem Aldawsari scoring the decisive goal early in the second half.
Following the match, China’s place in Group C remains precarious, as they currently sit at the bottom with only three matches left to play. They share six points with Indonesia, who hold a slight edge due to a superior goal difference. Ivankovic emphasized the necessity to remain optimistic and focus on upcoming matches to improve their standing.
Ivankovic commended his team for their performance against a formidable Saudi side, stating, “I thanked and congratulated my players for handing in such a wonderful display under such tough circumstances… We lost to a great team, but our players fought bravely until the end on the pitch.” He urged his squad to shift their focus to the next encounter against Australia, who secured a significant 5-1 win over Indonesia recently.
In conclusion, Branko Ivankovic’s commendation of the Chinese players following their narrow loss to Saudi Arabia highlights their resilience amidst challenging circumstances. Despite the setback, the focus now shifts to their upcoming match with Australia, where they aim to improve their chances for World Cup qualification. The situation remains critical, with only three matches left and the competition for advancement intense.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
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