Chinese player 'kung fu kicks' to knock out opponent in World Cup qualifiers

Lin Liangming's "kick" to the head caused Kadesh to be seriously injured - Screenshot

On the morning of March 21, in the 7th match of Group C, Round 3 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Asia, the Chinese team suffered a 0-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia.

This was a match in which China was completely outclassed by their opponents. In the first half, they had to struggle to fend off the home team’s stormy attacks. Even goalkeeper Wang Dalei’s goal shook once, but there was no goal due to a handball by a Saudi Arabian player.

The nightmare for the Chinese team continued in extra time. In a rare attack, they lost a man again when striker Lin Liangming was shown a red card. During the challenge, the player raised his leg very high and kicked the face of centre-back Hassan Kadesh.

Lin Liangming explains to the referee while receiving a red card - Photo: REUTERS

Kadesh was carried off the field on a stretcher after receiving a full kick from Lin Liangming - Photo: REUTERS

The strong kick left the Saudi Arabian player lying on the field in pain, even forcing him to leave the field afterwards. Lin Liangming received a red card. The Korean newspaper MK called the striker's kick no different from a "kung fu kick".

Playing with one less man, the Chinese team became even more confused. They finally conceded a goal in the 50th minute after a close-range shot by Al-Dawsari.

Looking at the statistics, it is hard to believe that the Chinese team only conceded one goal. Saudi Arabia had 80% possession and 19 shots (7 on target). Many of the shots were not on target but were in dangerous positions.

On the contrary, the Chinese team appeared harmless when they only shot 3 times and did not hit the target. This defeat pushed coach Branko Ivankovic's team to the bottom of Group C.

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