In a critical FIFA World Cup qualifying match on March 21, 2025, China’s national football team suffered a major setback as they lost 1-0 to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The defeat was not just a blow to their qualification hopes but also came at a heavy cost, with three key players—defenders Jiang Guangtai and Gao Zhunyi, along with midfielder Lin Liangming—being ruled out due to injuries and suspension. This leaves China in a precarious position in Group C, where they now sit at the bottom with only six points after seven matches.
Match Overview
China’s head coach, Branko Ivankovic, had a clear game plan going into the match—secure at least a point against the stronger Saudi side, who are ranked 59th in the world compared to China’s 90th. The team started the game with an aggressive pressing approach, attempting to disrupt Saudi Arabia’s rhythm and create early goal-scoring opportunities.
However, things began to unravel quickly for the Chinese side. In the first half, defenders Jiang Guangtai and Gao Zhunyi both suffered muscle injuries, forcing early substitutions. This created a defensive imbalance that the team struggled to adjust to for the rest of the game. The situation worsened when midfielder Lin Liangming was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Saudi defender Hassan Kadish. With China reduced to ten men, their defensive line came under intense pressure.
Despite these setbacks, China managed to hold Saudi Arabia to a goalless first half, thanks to a disciplined defensive effort and some crucial saves from goalkeeper Wang Dalei. However, in the 50th minute, Saudi forward Salem Al Dawsari broke the deadlock. Capitalizing on a rebounded shot that Wang had initially parried, Al Dawsari reacted quickly and slotted the ball into the net, giving Saudi Arabia the lead.
Injuries and Disciplinary Setbacks
The injuries to Jiang Guangtai and Gao Zhunyi have become a major concern for China’s World Cup qualification campaign. Both players are essential to the defensive setup, and their absence in the upcoming games could be a significant disadvantage. Coach Ivankovic expressed uncertainty about their recovery time, stating that muscle injuries typically require days or even weeks of rehabilitation.
Midfielder Lin Liangming’s suspension is another major setback. His red card means he will be unavailable for China’s crucial next game against Australia, further depleting the team’s already weakened lineup. His absence in midfield could leave China vulnerable in transition plays, an area that Australia is known to exploit.
Coach and Player Reactions
Despite the loss, head coach Ivankovic praised his team’s resilience. He acknowledged the strength of the Saudi Arabian squad, who have consistently been one of Asia’s top footballing nations. However, he stressed the importance of looking forward and preparing for the next game against Australia.
Ivankovic also emphasized that the team should not dwell too much on the defeat but rather learn from their mistakes and focus on adjusting their tactics for the upcoming challenges. He expressed confidence that China can still fight for qualification, given that other teams in the group have also struggled to gain consistent points.
Team captain and goalkeeper Wang Dalei echoed the coach’s sentiments. He admitted that the team was disappointed by the result but remained optimistic. Wang pointed out that China’s qualification chances are still mathematically possible since group rivals Bahrain and Indonesia also suffered defeats in their respective matches.
“We still have a chance,” Wang stated. “The battle is not over yet. We need to regroup, fix our mistakes, and make sure we perform better in the next game.”
Defender Jiang Shenglong also commented on the impact of Lin’s red card, stating that it disrupted the team’s game plan and put them under unnecessary pressure. However, he remained determined to learn from the experience and focus on upcoming fixtures.
Upcoming Challenges
China’s next match is a crucial home fixture against Australia on Tuesday. With key players missing, Ivankovic will need to rethink his defensive setup and midfield strategy. Australia, coming off a frustrating goalless draw against Indonesia, will be looking to secure a win to strengthen their own qualification campaign.
China’s coaching staff will have to make quick tactical adjustments, possibly fielding younger players or shifting to a more conservative defensive system to cope with Australia’s attacking threat. The team will also need to improve their discipline on the field, as unnecessary fouls and cards could further weaken their chances.
Group C Standings and Road to Qualification
As it stands, China is at the bottom of Group C with six points from seven matches. The top two teams from the group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will have an opportunity to advance through additional qualifying rounds.
With three matches remaining in the campaign, China will need to secure maximum points from their upcoming games against Australia, Indonesia, and Bahrain to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The battle for qualification remains open, but China cannot afford any more slip-ups. Their fate now depends on how well they recover from this latest setback and how they perform in the next few matches.
Conclusion
China’s loss to Saudi Arabia was a double blow—not only did they drop crucial points, but they also lost three important players. The road to the World Cup has become even more challenging, but the team still has a fighting chance if they can regroup and find a way to compensate for their missing stars.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as China prepares for their next match against Australia. The team must now show resilience, adaptability, and determination if they hope to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
