In the opening match of the Asian Football Confederation qualifier against Jarkarta on Thursday, Oli Romeny scored the only goal from the penalty spot.
After Yang Zexiang demolished Ricky Kambuaya just before half-time, a spot kick was awarded. Given the expectations the Chinese had, the hosts’ defense was under increasing pressure.
Australia made a huge step forward in the group’s first kickoff by defeating Japan, who had already qualified, 1-0.
In the 90th minute, Aziz Behich scored the winner through a curling effort from the box.
In Group C’s final kickoff game, Saudi Arabia hosted Bahrain, with nothing but a win for the hosts going to guarantee Australia’s progress. Bahrain needed a win to move up above Indonesia to the playoffs to advance.
Indonesia’s first sighter was on Kambuaya, but the effort from range went too far for the right-hand upright.
Wang Yudong, who made his international debut at age 18, was the brightest player in China’s opening match and headed wide after a counter under the weight of the hosts’ mounting pressure.
However, Han Pengfei’s header from Serginho’s corner fired over the bar to give China the best chance.
Romeny slotted the crucial kick from the spot after two close calls, one of which was just wide and the other too close to the keeper.
Source: Aljazeera
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