Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Xi’an: 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 and the win means the Chinese remain unbeaten in their last three AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
After losing their opening match to Saudi Arabia, China defeated Iraq before earning a point in Jakarta against the Indonesians last month and Fu’s side now have seven points from four games with just two qualifiers remaining.
“Our team is improving gradually, gaining experiences from big tournaments. This game was similar to the last one as we led by the end of 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 China caretaker coach Fu.
“Today the Indonesian team was very tough and brought 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 advantages.
“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.”
Caretaker coach 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 defence.
The Chinese dictated the pace and rhythm of the game throughout the opening 45 minutes but, despite dominating possession, the two-time AFC Asian Cup finalists created few clear-cut chances.
Indonesia goalkeeper I Made Wirawan was twice off his line quickly inside the first 15 minutes to deny China’s 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 free kick while Gao and Wu Lei were unsuccessful with their attempts moments later.
Indonesia offered little in attack but looked set to go into the break without conceding only for Wu Lei to finally earn China the lead they 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 Xuri 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 their next qualifier against Saudi Arabia in the same venue on Tuesday.
“Congratulations to the Chinese team. We didn't do well in the first half as we weren’t aggressive enough. But I am happy with our second half,” said Indonesia coach Jacksen Tiago.
“Today the Chinese team did a great job. They a lot of confidence in defense and eventually won the game with support from their fans.”
Photo: AFP