China Wins, Indonesia Still Has a Chance to Compete for a Ticket to the World Cup
China Defeats Guam, Takes Top Spot in Group A
China secured a 7-0 victory over Guam in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 match at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre on Tuesday, moving to the top of Group A with 15 points from five matches.
Zhang Yuning opened the scoring for China in the ninth minute before Wu Lei doubled the lead 10 minutes later. The home side continued to dominate and extended their advantage through Yu Dabao in the 30th minute. Zhang Yuning netted his second of the night just before half-time to give China a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.
Indonesia's Victory Over Cambodia Keeps World Cup Hopes Alive
Indonesia managed to keep their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 alive with a 4-2 victory over Cambodia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday. The victory moved Indonesia to 10 points from five matches, three adrift of Group A leaders China PR, with one match remaining.
First Half Dominance for Indonesia
Indonesia took control of the match from the start and opened the scoring through Dedik Setiawan in the fifth minute. The home side continued to pressure Cambodia and doubled their lead through Egy Maulana Vikri in the 17th minute. Evan Dimas increased Indonesia's advantage to 3-0 in the 34th minute.
Cambodia Fights Back
Cambodia, however, showed great determination and pulled a goal back through Prak Mony Udom in the 37th minute. The visitors then stunned the home crowd by equalizing through Keo Sokpheng in the 60th minute.
Indonesia's Winning Goal
Indonesia refused to be denied and restored their lead through Ricky Fajrin in the 73rd minute. The home side held on to their advantage and secured a vital victory that keeps their World Cup hopes alive.
Conclusion
With one match remaining in Group A, China has a clear advantage over Indonesia in the race for a ticket to the World Cup. Indonesia will need to defeat Thailand in their final match and hope that China lose to Syria to have any chance of qualifying for the third round of the Asian Qualifiers.
