Kadesh’s Late Heroics Put Saudi Arabia Back on Track for World Cup, Leaves China Reeling

In a thrilling match in Dalian, Saudi Arabia overcame a one-man disadvantage and an early deficit to defeat China 2-1, thanks to a late winner from the unlikely hero, Hassan Kadesh. The victory, secured in the dying minutes, puts the Green Falcons back on course for 2026 World Cup qualification after a disappointing draw in their previous match. It also left the Chinese team and its fans grappling with the bitter taste of defeat.

The game started poorly for the visitors, conceding an own goal in the 14th minute from Ali Lajami. The situation worsened when Mohammed Kanno was sent off just five minutes later, leaving Saudi Arabia with ten men for the majority of the game.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Saudi Arabia showed resilience and fought their way back into the game. Kadesh, who had never scored for his country before, leveled the score just before halftime with a well-placed header from a corner.

The second half was a tense affair, with both teams creating chances. China had a goal disallowed for offside, and Salem Al-Dawsari came agonizingly close to putting Saudi Arabia ahead, only to hit the crossbar.

Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Kadesh rose highest to head home another corner in the final minute, securing a dramatic victory for Saudi Arabia. The win leaves them with four points from two games, still with work to do to secure automatic qualification.

Manager Roberto Mancini, who has faced criticism recently, will be relieved with the result and the performance of Kadesh, who has emerged as an unlikely hero for the Green Falcons. The team will now look ahead to their next qualifier against Japan on October 10th, hoping to build on this momentum and continue their journey towards the 2026 World Cup.

China’s Disappointment and Lingering Hope

For China, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after their crushing 7-0 defeat to Japan last week. “It’s really a pity that our team conceded two goals in set pieces. Our players did their best,” said a disappointed Branko Ivankovic, head coach of the Chinese team. Despite the setback, Ivankovic rejected the idea of resigning, emphasizing that the team still has a chance to finish in fourth place in the group.

Chinese fans, though disheartened by the result, showed their unwavering support for the national team, chanting “Fight till the end” even after the final whistle. The impressive turnout of over 48,000 fans at the Suoyuwan Stadium, despite the previous heavy defeat, was a testament to their enduring passion for the team. The sight of a massive red tifo with the words “Fight for the Country” displayed by fans before the game further underscored their unwavering belief in the team.

While the road to the 2026 World Cup remains challenging for China, the resilience shown by both the players and the fans offers a glimmer of hope. The team will need to regroup quickly and address their weaknesses if they want to salvage their qualification campaign.