Wu winner has China back on track
Print Edition
China took another step towards qualifying for the finals of the AFC Asian Cup in Australia in 2015 with a 1-0 win over Indonesia that keeps Fu Bo’s side in sole possession of second place in Group C.
Wu Lei scored the only goal of the game with a header a minute into first-half stoppage time in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, and the win means the Chinese remain unbeaten in their last three Asian Cup qualifiers.
After losing its opening match to Saudi Arabia, China defeated Iraq before earning a point in Jakarta against the Indonesians last month and Fu’s side now has seven points from four games with just two qualifiers remaining.
“Our team is improving gradually, gaining experience from big tournaments. This game was similar to the last one as we led by the end of the first half. That is why I told my players to stay focused and composed. We had more opportunities in the second half, but we couldn’t make it,” said caretaker coach Fu.
“Today the Indonesian team was very tough and gave us lots of trouble. We still had the old problem of being dominant in the first half but a bit lost in the second half.
“If we had done well with the counter-attacks in the second half, we would have had more advantage.
“Wu Lei has had a great season; he needs matches like this to push his limits. I will give him more chances in the future.”
Fu started with seven of the Guangzhou Evergrande squad that claimed the AFC Champions League title less than a week ago, with Zheng Zhi retaining the captain’s armband and sitting at the heart of the defense.
The Chinese dictated the pace and rhythm of the game throughout the opening 45 minutes but, despite dominating possession, the two-time Asian Cup finalist created few clear-cut chances.
Indonesia goalkeeper I Made Wirawan was twice off his line quickly inside the first 15 minutes to deny China forwards, smothering the ball at the feet of first Gao Lin and then Yu Dabao. Zhang Linpeng sent his 28th-minute header just wide following Zhao Xuri’s freekick while Gao and Wu failed with their attempts moments later.
Indonesia offered little in attack but looked set to go into the break without conceding only for Wu to finally earn China the lead it deserved with a header after Liu Jianye’s cross from the right curled towards the edge of the six-yard box.
The pattern was similar in the second half with substitute Liu Jian — who replaced Zhao nine minutes before the end — forcing a fine save out of Wirawan late in the game as China picked up the three points ahead of its next qualifier against Saudi Arabia at the same venue on Tuesday.
Elsewhere in Asian Cup qualifiers yesterday, it was: Syria 4, Singapore 0 (in Group A); Thailand 0 Iran 3 (in Group B); Yemen 1, Qatar 4 (Group D); and Vietnam 0, Uzbekistan 3 (Group E).
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