China to a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the Asian
Cup at Suncorp Stadium.
Yu struck in the final 10 minutes with a deflected free-
kick to give Alain Perrin's side a memorable win.
China dominated the opening half but were unable to
take the few chances they created, and they looked
like being punished on the hour when Saudi Arabia
were awarded a spot kick.
However, Hazazi – who was fouled by Ren Hang – saw
a weak effort from 12 yards that was saved by Wang
Dalei.
And the striker was left to rue that mistake as
Yu grabbed all three points in the opening round of
fixtures in Group B.
A positive start from Saudi Arabia saw them threaten
the China defence in the opening 10 minutes,
however the three-time winners were unable to test
goalkeeper Wang.
Having survived the early pressure China grew into
the game and had the better of the half with Yu and Ji
Xiang leading the charge – the former unable to
convert a Zhang Chengdong cross.
Zhang was then presented with a chance of his own
three minutes after the half-hour, the 25-year-old
receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area only
for a superb block from the Saudi defence.
As half-time approached, China continued to threaten
and Wu Xi went agonisingly close to breaking the
deadlock.
The midfielder broke from the halfway line having
collected a pass from Hao Junmin, before beating
one defender and – while holding off two more Saudi
challenges – firing a low effort just wide of the left-
hand post.
Neither side look like opening the scoring in a
scrappy start ot he second half, however that all
changed on the hour following a swift Saudi counter-
attack.
Hazazi was released in behind the China defence
after his side had soaked up some pressure, the
striker made good ground into the penalty area
before being crudely scythed down by Ren.
The 26-year-old stepped up to take the spot kick
himself, but his run-up was too casual and a weak
attempt was easily saved by Wang to his left.
Saudi Arabia were punished in the 80th minute as
Yu's free-kick found the net, deflecting off the
defensive wall to take it out of goalkeeper Waleed
Abdullah's reach.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.
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