Behram Abduweli (#23) of China celebrates after scoring a goal against Indonesia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qualifying match in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, October 15, 2024. /CFP
China defeated Indonesia 2-1 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qualifying match in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on Tuesday, securing their first victory in the third stage of the competition.
China had to win to preserve any hope of advancing to the World Cup in two years, after suffering three straight losses in the group against Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
Coach Branko Ivankovic started an offensive combination of Wei Shihao, Zhang Yuning and A Lan, likely the best he could assemble, considering the team's injury issues.
China were the better-performing side in the first half and opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Gao Zhunyi headed the ball to Jiang Shenglong, who passed from the baseline back into the goal area. Behram Abduweli didn't shoot with full strength, but the attempt from close range had enough power to put the home side on top 1-0.
The hosts extended their lead to two goals before halftime. Gao set up a perfect one-on-one chance for Zhang against the goal in the 44th minute at edge of the box. Without stopping the ball, Zhang blasted it into the right corner with too much accuracy for Indonesia's goalkeeper to have any chance for a save opportunity.
Zhang Yuning of China celebrates after scoring a goal against Indonesia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qualifying match in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, October 15, 2024. /CFP
Indonesia scored in the 86th minute after exploiting a poor clearance by the hosts. Wang Haijian's header fell to the feet of Thom Haye, who found the net for the visitors, but China managed to keep the lead until the final whistle.
In the other games in Group A, Japan were held to a 1-1 draw by Australia at home, while Saudi Arabia and Bahrain battled to a 0-0 stalemate.
China remain at the bottom of the group with three points, behind Indonesia on goal difference, and trail Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Australia by two points. Japan continue to top the group with 10 points.
"First of all, I want to thank the players for their dedication in this game," Ivankovic said at the post-match press conference. "They showed my tactical requirements, including the intensity needed to fight for ball control, and the passion to win the game. They were very focused during the whole match. The fans created a very good atmosphere and gave us a lot of support. They are just like the 12th player on the pitch."