Yesterday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, China kicked off their AFC U23 Asian Cup journey with a 0-0 draw against Iraq in what turned into a true goalkeeping showcase. ⚽🧤
The best chance for China came in the 55th minute when Wang Yudong found space inside the box and volleyed Yang Xi's cross, only to see Iraq keeper Layth Sajid pull off a slick save. Later, China's Li Hao was the hero, denying Aymen Luay twice in the final minutes to keep the clean sheet. 🙌
Meanwhile, in another Group D clash, Australia overturned a one-goal deficit to beat 10-man Thailand 2-1, thanks to late strikes from Ethan Alagich and Mathias Macallister. 🔥
With a solid mix of players from the Chinese Super League and seven athletes already capped at senior level (shoutout to rising stars Wang and Behram Abduweli!), China's under-23s are hungry to make history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Next up: China faces Australia this Sunday, before taking on Thailand next Wednesday. Only the top two in each group move to the quarterfinals, so every point counts! 💪
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
