BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- China's 2015 AFC Asian Cup campaign began yesterday against Saudi Arabia. The team from the Middle East certainly had the edge before the match began, as they had not lost to the PRC in 18 years. However, they suffered a blow before the kick-off, as captain Nasser Al Shamrani was ruled out of the tournament with an abdominal injury, providing a boost to China's chances of beating the odds.
China failed to make the knock-out stage in the last two tournaments, and coach Alain Perrin was looking for a good start with qualification for the quarter-finals the aim. The young Chinese team plays well in the first half and almost takes the lead just before half-time. Midfielder Wu Xi, who plays for Jiangsu Sainty in the Chinese Super League, hits a low drive from the edge of the area, but Saudi goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah tips it wide. It would be the only shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, as the half ends scoreless.
Saudi Arabia then have a great opportunity to take the lead just after an hour when striker Naif Hazazi is brought down inside the area by Ren Hang and the referee awards a penalty-kick.
However, Hazazi's stuttering spot kick lacks conviction, with Wang Dalei able to make a routine save to keep the score level. The save would make his birthday a memorable one.
With nine minutes remaining, China claims the lead. Yu's 30-yard free kick is deflected and wrong-foots Waleed Abdullah in Saudi Arabia's goal, nestling in the bottom corner. That would be all China needs as they hang on for a potentially decisive victory, and Perrin's side have a perfect start to the tournament.
"Yes, I'm expected to score for my country in a game, as a center-forward my duty is to score goals. But I didn't expect to do it from a free kick. I want to score in other ways in the next two group games." Chinese midfielder Yu Hai said.
The other match in Group B saw Uzbekistan beat the DPRK 1-0, and they now top the group alongside China with three points. The second round of the group stage will take place on January 14th, with China facing on Uzbekistan in a crucial game, and the DPRK taking on Saudi Arabia.
(Source: english.CNTV.cn)
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