Get ready, football fans! 🏟️ China's national team is gearing up for a crucial clash against Saudi Arabia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC qualifiers this Tuesday. The match will take place in Dalian, nestled in northeast China's Liaoning Province.
After a tough 7-0 loss to Japan last week, Coach Branko Ivankovic is determined to turn things around. \"After four days, all our players have recovered from the loss physically and mentally,\" Ivankovic shared at a press conference on Monday. \"We have to bottom out and restore our form as soon as possible. This group is very difficult, and we need to try our best to get better results tomorrow.\"
Saudi Arabia isn't just any opponent—they're an Asian football powerhouse! ⚽ They've got a strong track record against China, and the last time China triumphed over them was way back in 2015 during an AFC Asian Cup group game in Australia.
\"Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup multiple times. At the 2022 World Cup, they even defeated Argentina in their group match,\" Ivankovic noted. \"Their head coach Roberto Mancini led Italy to win Euro 2020. He's a coach of champions. We need solid performances on both ends, and a better defense is fundamental.\"
With Saudi Arabia held to a 1-1 draw by Indonesia in their first group game, both teams are hungry for a win. 🍽️
The action doesn't stop there! Elsewhere in Group C on Tuesday, Bahrain faces off against Japan, and Australia takes on Indonesia. Bahrain caused a stir by upsetting Australia 1-0 in their first game, placing them second in the group behind Japan due to goal difference. 😮
Will China make a spectacular comeback? Stay tuned to find out! 🌟
Reference(s):
China's coach vows to bounce back against Saudi Arabia at home
cgtn.com
