First surprise at Asian Cup 2023: Newcomer Tajikistan holds China to a draw

With reasonable tactics and a resilient fighting spirit, Tajikistan players in their debut at the Asian Cup drew 0-0 with a team considered stronger than China.

Zhu Chenjie (China) put the ball into Tajikistan's net but it was not recognized.

Coach Petar Segrt's players even created a tight match with China, with a ball possession rate of up to 51.4% and launched 20 shots - more than double the number of their opponents. However, the lack of experience of the team participating in the Asian Cup for the first time meant that Tajikistan, despite playing with confidence, could not successfully take advantage of the opportunities they had.

In the first half alone, Chinese goalkeeper Yan Junling had to work hard twice to save shots from striker Alisher Dzhalilov (minutes 25 and 31). In the beginning of the second half, Dzhalilov volleyed beautifully but sent the ball close to the Chinese goal post.

The only highlight that China had was Zhu Chenjie's high jump header that scored against Tajikistan in the 81st minute. However, the intervention of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology caused referee Mohammed Khled Al Hoish to disallow the goal for China. Al Hoish said that player Jiang Guangtai, although in an offside position, had obstructed a Tajikistan defender from saving the goal on the goal line.

Former Espanyol striker Wu Lei played poorly and left the field in disappointment in the 71st minute. Meanwhile, China's other attacks were weak against Tajikistan's well-organized and disciplined defense.

418500772-932305078265577-868074121120358642-n-4637.jpg — Tajikistan players dominated China in terms of ball possession and number of shots.

This 0-0 draw makes it more difficult for China to qualify for the round of 16. Because in the second match of Group A on January 17, coach Aleksandar Janković and his team must overcome Lebanon, the team that suffered a 0-3 defeat against Qatar in the opening match and is also determined to win to avoid an early exit.

While the 1 point gained in the Asian Cup debut match gives Tajikistan more spirit to create the next achievements. The next difficult match ahead is against the host team Qatar, who is leading the rankings.

Tajikistan's goalless draw with China was the only surprise of the matchday 13. In the early match in Group B, title contenders Australia won 2-0 against India. Overcoming the pressure created by the Indian defense after the first half, Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos scored in the remaining time, helping Graham Arnold's team have a smooth start at the 2023 Asian Cup.

HUU THANH

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