Asian Cup 2015: China defeat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in closely fought game in Brisbane
THE absence of star striker Nasser Al-Shamrani proved costly for Saudi Arabia in their 1-0 loss to China at Suncorp Stadium.
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THE absence of star attacker Nasser Al-Shamrani proved costly for Saudi Arabia on Saturday night, with the three-time Asian Cup champions failing to fire in their 1-0 loss to China in Brisbane.
Al-Shamrani was ruled out of the Asian Cup less than 24 hours before the Group B clash due to an abdominal injury he suffered in Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 friendly loss to South Korea last Sunday.
But having prepared all week without the Asian Football Confederation player of the year, the Saudi Arabians had been expected to cope without their talisman.
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However, it was China who prevailed thanks to a 79th minute free-kick from Yu Hai, with his 25-metre strike wrong-footing Saudi goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah after deflecting off Nawaf Alabid.
The goal delighted the majority of the crowd of more than 12,000, with Chinese fans outnumbering Saudi supporters.
China deserved their win, although even with Al-Shamrani, the Saudis had their chances, including a penalty in the 60th minute after Ren Hang fouled Naif Hazazi.
Hazazi dusted himself off to take the spot kick, but his weak effort was saved by Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei.
The penalty came as the plucky Chinese showed signs of fading after dominating the first half.
Sensing the tiring legs of the Chinese, Saudi Arabia used their speed to trouble their opponents, but without Al-Shamrani, the Green Falcons could not find the back of the net.
China and Uzbekistan, 1-0 winners over North Korea on Saturday in Sydney, lead Group B with three points each. The group leaders meet at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
China, the great under-achievers of Asian football, will take great belief from their victory over the Saudi Arabia.
China were the better team, particularly in the first half, with only desperate defending from Saudi defender Osama Hawsawi preventing them taking the lead in the 33rd minute.
Right back Zhang Chengdong created the chance with a weaving run and delightful pass that fell into the path of teammate Wu Xi. However, Xi’s goal-bound strike was blocked by a sliding Hawsawi.
Wu, playing in an advanced role compared to his usual defensive duties at club level with Jiangsu Sainty, had the best chance of the first-half 10 minutes later.
He seemed certain to score as he charged to the edge of Saudi Arabia’s penalty area. But with only goalkeeper Abdullah to beat, Wu failed to hit the target.
China claimed a corner, believing the Abdullah tipped the ball around the post. However, Iranian referee Alireza Faghani instead awarded a goal kick.
But China finally got they goal they perhaps deserved with 11 minutes remaining.
The Saudis now face a crunch clash with North Korea on Wednesday in Melbourne.
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