In a thrilling turn of events, China secured a 2-1 victory over Indonesia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qualifying match held in Qingdao, Shandong Province, on Tuesday. This win marks China's first triumph in the third stage of the competition, breathing new life into their World Cup aspirations.
After enduring three consecutive defeats against powerhouse teams Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, China entered the match against Indonesia with a desperate need for a positive result to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Under the strategic guidance of Coach Branko Ivankovic, who deployed an offensive lineup featuring Wei Shihao, Zhang Yuning, and A Lan, the team showcased resilience despite facing injury challenges.
The home side took control early in the game, dominating the first half and netting the opening goal in the 21st minute. Gao Zhunyi expertly headed the ball to Jiang Shenglong, whose close-range attempt found the back of the net, giving China a 1-0 lead.
China didn't stop there. Just before halftime, Gao orchestrated a perfect setup for Zhang Yuning, whose precise strike from the edge of the box left Indonesia's goalkeeper with no chance to react, extending the lead to 2-0.
The second half saw Indonesia mounting a comeback effort, but China's defensive solidity held firm. Indonesia managed to score a consolation goal, but the early advantage proved decisive. This victory not only ends China's losing streak but also reinvigorates their campaign, offering a glimmer of hope for qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Fans and analysts alike are optimistic that this win could be the catalyst China needs to push forward in the remaining matches of the qualifiers, setting the stage for an exciting journey towards the global tournament.
Reference(s):
China beat Indonesia, end losing streak in 2026 World Cup Qualifying
cgtn.com
