China Faces Setbacks in World Cup Qualifier Against Saudi Arabia
China’s football team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia in a World Cup qualifier, losing three players to injuries, including a red card. Head coach Branko Ivankovic faced challenges, with the team now at the bottom of their group and upcoming matches against Australia, Indonesia, and Bahrain. Despite the loss, Ivankovic praised his team’s efforts under difficult circumstances.
In a challenging FIFA World Cup qualifier, China’s national football team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia, exacerbated by the loss of three key players. Defenders Jiang Guangtai and Gao Zhunyi sustained muscle injuries, while Lin Liangming received a red card for a reckless challenge, further diminishing China’s chance to qualify for the World Cup.
Head coach Branko Ivankovic aimed for a crucial point in this match but ended up with a lack of points from the group stage, leaving China at the bottom of Group C with only six points. With upcoming matches against Australia at home and away games against Indonesia and Bahrain, the situation appears increasingly dire.
Despite the setback, Ivankovic commended his team’s effort, particularly in light of playing with ten men after Lin’s dismissal. Though Saudi Arabia proved to be a formidable opponent, he noted, “Saudi Arabia is a very strong team, they’ve played in many World Cups.”
The game witnessed Saudi Arabia scoring shortly after halftime, with Salem Al Dawsari capitalizing on a rebound after a save from Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei. Although Saudi Arabia had a goal disallowed by VAR due to a handball, they dominated possession, complicating China’s efforts.
Facing Australia next, the team must prepare while dealing with the potential absence of Jiang and Gao due to their injuries. Ivankovic stated, “We need 24 hours to assess the injuries,” making the next match a significant challenge for China’s squad.
While facing numerous obstacles, Ivankovic reminded the team to stay focused: “This is football. All we can do is to focus on the next game.”
In summary, China’s national football team faced a significant loss against Saudi Arabia, marked by injuries to key players and a lack of points in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The team must navigate upcoming matches with reduced strength and focus on overcoming these setbacks. Coach Ivankovic’s praise for the squad’s effort reflects an understanding of the team’s challenges, as they prepare for their next important clash against Australia.
Original Source: english.news.cn
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