In a thrilling and action-packed encounter, China’s men’s beach soccer team suffered a 5-3 defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening Group B match at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025. The match, played at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Thailand, showcased intense competition and dramatic momentum swings that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Match Overview
The game started with China looking to impose their presence early on, and they managed to find the back of the net first. A swift counterattack saw the Chinese team breaking through Saudi Arabia’s defense, sending the ball past the goalkeeper to take an early lead. The celebration was short-lived, however, as Saudi Arabia responded with a well-coordinated play to equalize before the end of the first period.
As the match progressed into the second period, Saudi Arabia stepped up their intensity, pressing China with a series of aggressive offensive plays. Their efforts paid off when they managed to take the lead for the first time in the game. However, China did not back down and found an unusual equalizer through their goalkeeper, Guo Wei, who managed to score directly from his own goal line—a rare and impressive feat in beach soccer.
The second period was filled with back-and-forth action, and China briefly reclaimed the lead when a free-kick opportunity was awarded after a Saudi handball. Chinese player Liu Yisi stepped up and converted the free-kick with a powerful left-footed strike. However, Saudi Arabia answered almost immediately with their own free-kick goal, capitalizing on a Chinese handball mistake to level the score once again at 3-3.
As the final period began, both teams knew the next goal could be the decider. Saudi Arabia pushed forward aggressively and took control with a well-placed header in the 27th minute, giving them a 4-3 advantage. China struggled to respond, and their hopes of a comeback were crushed when Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty in the final moments of the match. The Saudi player calmly slotted the ball into the net, sealing a 5-3 victory for his team.
Group B Standings and Tournament Structure
The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025 features 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. China finds itself in Group B, competing against Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. In another Group B match on the same day, Japan edged past Iraq with a 4-3 victory, taking the lead in the standings.
With this defeat, China now faces a crucial game against Iraq. A loss in the next match would make qualification for the knockout rounds extremely difficult. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, having secured their first win, will be looking to continue their momentum when they take on Japan in their next match.
The stakes are even higher as the tournament not only crowns the continental champion but also determines qualification for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025. The top three teams from the tournament will earn a spot in the prestigious global competition, set to be held in the Seychelles.
China’s Performance and Areas for Improvement
Despite the loss, China’s performance in the match showcased moments of brilliance, particularly in their attacking play. The early lead and the ability to regain momentum multiple times in the match were positive takeaways. However, their defensive vulnerabilities were evident, especially in conceding set-piece goals and penalties. The frequent handball errors cost them crucial moments in the game, ultimately leading to their downfall.
One of the key highlights was the exceptional performance by goalkeeper Guo Wei, who not only made important saves but also managed to score a goal. Such contributions from a goalkeeper are rare and highlight the versatility required in beach soccer.
However, China’s defense struggled against Saudi Arabia’s physical and high-pressure gameplay. Saudi players used their aerial strength effectively, particularly in the final period where they scored the decisive goal through a header. The Chinese defense will need to work on handling set-piece situations and maintaining composure under pressure in future matches.
Next Match: China vs. Iraq
China’s next fixture against Iraq is a must-win encounter if they hope to keep their knockout stage aspirations alive. Iraq also suffered a loss in their opening match against Japan, making this clash crucial for both teams. A defeat for either side could spell the end of their tournament journey.
China’s coaching staff will likely focus on reinforcing the team’s defensive discipline while capitalizing on their attacking strengths. Players like Liu Yisi and Guo Wei have already shown they can be difference-makers, but they will need support from the rest of the squad to overcome Iraq’s challenge.
Iraq, on the other hand, showed resilience against Japan, narrowly losing 4-3 in a hard-fought battle. They possess attacking capabilities that can trouble China’s defense if not properly managed. This means China must prepare for a physically demanding match where maintaining focus and avoiding unnecessary mistakes will be essential.
Saudi Arabia’s Strong Start
With their victory over China, Saudi Arabia has positioned themselves well in Group B. Their attacking strategy, combined with their ability to capitalize on defensive errors, makes them a strong contender moving forward in the tournament. The upcoming match against Japan will test their ability to handle one of the tournament’s top teams. A win against Japan would all but secure their place in the knockout rounds, while a loss could make the group even more competitive.
Saudi Arabia’s disciplined approach to set-pieces played a major role in their win against China. Three of their five goals came from dead-ball situations, showing their ability to take advantage of mistakes. If they continue this form, they could be one of the dark horses in the tournament.
Looking Ahead: China’s Road to Redemption
China still has a chance to turn things around, but it will require immediate adjustments. They must focus on tightening their defense, avoiding costly fouls, and improving their game management, especially in the latter stages of matches.
The upcoming clash against Iraq is now the defining moment for the team. A win would put them back in contention, while a loss could end their campaign early. With the right tactical approach and a more disciplined performance, China can still fight for a spot in the knockout stages.
As the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025 progresses, every match becomes more intense, and the margin for error narrows. China has the talent to compete at this level, but they must now prove their resilience and determination on the sands of Pattaya.
