China - United Arab Emirates 2-1 (国足2-1阿联酋) 06.10.2011

HENZHEN -- CFA Team China's preparations for the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Iraq next week continued in fine fashion as Jose Antonio Camacho's side notched up a 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates on Thursday evening.

First half efforts from Sun Xiang and Gao Lin secured Team China a morale-boosting victory before a second half that featured numerous substitutions and a late consolation for Abdulla Mesfer's side from Eisa Marzouqi four minutes from time.

Camacho, in only his third game as China coach, made six changes to the team that started the 2-1 loss against Jordan in Amman last month, with Du Wei returning to the heart of the defence to play alongside captain Li Weifeng while Wu Xi was preferred at right back and Sun Xiang retained his berth on the left.

Zheng Zhi partnered Huang Bowen in the centre of midfield as Yu Hanchao and Feng Renliang attacked down the right and left flanks respectively and Chen Tao supported lone striker Gao Lin from midfield.

The new line-up looked lively from the start and China were completely dominant in the opening 45 minutes, with an inexperienced Emirates line-up only threatening in the first few seconds of the game before spending the rest of the half on the defensive.

Sun put China in front after just five minutes when he struck a vicious left-footed free kick from 20 metres out that Majed Naser was incapable of keeping out after it bent around the defensive wall.

Ten minutes later, Gao had doubled China's advantage when he was able to capitalise on a fine run down the left win by Feng Renliang that resulted in Guangzhou striker Gao scoring with a fine header.

Chen Tao could have added to the scoreline in the 25th minute but his shot from just inside the penalty area trundled just wide of the post.

Camacho took the opportunity to alter his line-up for the second half, replacing Wu Xi with Liu Jianye while Yu Hanchao made way for Zhang Wenzhao and Deng Zhuoxiang took over from Chen Tao. Goalkeeper Yang Zhi, who had little to do in the first half, was substituted in favour of Zhang Lie.

The changes were the first of many throughout the second period and constant changing of personnel led to a disjointed second half from both sides.

Ismail Matar of the Emirates presented possibly the greatest threat in the final 45 minutes as he tested Zhang Lie 10 minutes after the restart while China substitute Liu Jian saw his shot fumbled by Naser as the clock ticked down.

The UAE eventually managed to pull a goal back with four minutes remaining when Mohamed Al Shehhi sent over a corner that Eisa Marzouqi headed beyond the flat-footed Zhang Lie.

But it was not enough to deny China a well-deserved win.

CFA Team China: Yang Zhi; Wu Xi, Du Wei, Li Weifeng, Sun Xiang; Zheng Zhi, Huang Bowen; Yu Hanchao, Chen Tao, Feng Renliang; Gao Lin.

UAE: Majed Naser; Bashar Al Hammadi, Khalid Lashkari, Ali Al Wehaibi, Abdulla Esmaeil, Mahmoud Al Hammadi, Subait Al Junaibi, Juma Al Jaberi, Mohamed Abdulla, Ismail Al Hammadi, Ismail Matar.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• China
• United Arab Emirates
• 国足2-1阿联酋