In a gripping encounter during the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers, China faced Saudi Arabia in a crucial Group C match on March 21, 2025. Unfortunately for the Chinese team, ranked 90th in the world, the match did not end in their favor as they fell to a 0-1 defeat, largely due to a critical red card incident.
Early in the match, Chinese midfielder Lin Liangming made a critical mistake in the 45+1 minute, accidentally kicking Saudi Arabian defender Hassan Kadesh in the head while attempting to win the ball. This unfortunate incident led to Lin receiving a red card, resulting in his immediate expulsion from the game and leaving China with ten players to contend against the full Saudi squad.
The ramifications of this loss were stark; Kadesh, injured from the encounter, required assistance off the field to receive medical attention. The absence of Lin left a significant gap in the Chinese midfield, impacting their play and strategy for the remainder of the match.
In the second half, just five minutes after the restart, Saudi Arabia capitalized on their numerical advantage. Forward Salem Al-Dawsari found the back of the net, securing a lead for Saudi Arabia. Despite several attempts, China's squad could not penetrate Saudi's defense to equalize, sealing their fate with the scoreboard reflecting 0-1 at the final whistle.
Chinese national team coach Branko Ivankovic expressed disappointment but acknowledged the strength of the opposing team. He remarked, “Saudi Arabia is a very strong team that has participated in multiple World Cups. They performed well in the second half, and considering the circumstances, we could hardly have done better.” His comments underscore the challenges faced by China when competing against traditionally stronger teams.
Defender Jiang Guangtai also shared his frustration regarding the red card received by Lin, stating, “We started the game well, but Liangming’s red card disrupted our rhythm. That card was an accident, and it completely changed the game. There are too many uncertainties in football, and we need to learn from this match and prepare well for the next.” Jiang’s acknowledgment of the breakdown in teamwork following the ejection highlights the importance of discipline in high-stakes matches.
Currently, Chinese football finds itself languishing at the bottom of the group with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses. The team’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup have dwindled significantly following this loss. Their upcoming match against Australia on March 25, 2025, at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center appears to be a decisive opportunity to reclaim some pride and potentially improve their standing in the qualifying campaign.
In Group C, the standings see Japan leading the way with an impressive record of 6 wins and 1 draw, already securing their place in the World Cup finals. Meanwhile, Australia sits second in the group, with Saudi Arabia currently in third place. The pressure is mounting for all teams in this competitive group as they vie for the remaining qualification slots, leaving little margin for error.
The match against Australia will be pivotal for the Chinese team, who are in need of a significant turnaround to keep their qualification hopes alive. Football fans are hopeful that the squad can regroup and rise to the occasion, showing resilience and determination on home soil. The Chinese players will need to channel their frustrations and learn from their mistakes against Saudi Arabia if they hope to make a mark in this year’s crucial matches.
