China Falls Short Against Saudi Arabia in World Cup Qualifier
China faced Saudi Arabia in a World Cup qualifying match, losing 1-0 and remaining at the bottom of Group C. A goal by Salem Al Dawsari and a red card for Lin Liangming hindered China’s performance. China is set to face Australia next in hopes of improving their situation.
In a FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying match held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Chinese national football team endured a narrow defeat on Thursday, with a final score of 1-0. This loss leaves China struggling at the bottom of Group C within the Asian zone. The decisive goal was scored by Saudi midfielder Salem Al Dawsari, just five minutes into the second half, after he capitalized on a rebound from an initial shot that was blocked by Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei.
China faced an uphill battle following a significant setback just before halftime, when Lin Liangming received a red card for a dangerous kick to Saudi defender Hassan Kadish’s face. This incident necessitated a lengthy stoppage as treatment was administered, ultimately resulting in Kadish being stretchered off the field. Such circumstances further complicated China’s attempts to recover in the match.
While Saudi Arabia dominated possession throughout the game, they struggled to convert their opportunities, including a first-half goal by Faisal Al Ghamdi that was disallowed by VAR due to a handball. These missed chances contributed to the continuing challenges faced by the Saudi side despite their victory.
After seven matches in the qualification rounds, China stands at the bottom of Group C with only six points. In an effort to modify their current trajectory, the team will play against Australia at home on Tuesday, hoping to achieve a much-needed turnaround in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
In summary, China’s national football team suffered a challenging 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia, exacerbated by a red card awarded to Lin Liangming before halftime. The match continued to showcase China’s struggles, as they have yet to secure adequate points in Group C. As they prepare to face Australia in their next match, they will seek to improve their standing in the World Cup qualifiers.
Original Source: www.chinadailyasia.com
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