Saudi beats China in qualifying match for Asia Cup 2015

The Saudi national team beat China (2:1) after their first match in the qualification round for the Asian Cup 2015.

Saudi Arabia, who last month sacked coach Frank Rijkaard after the team failed to make it past the group stage of the Gulf Cup of Nations, got the much-needed win after Hazazi turned in a cross from Al Ittihad team mate Al Muwallad.

Fahad Al Muwallad had opened the scoring for the hosts, who have also failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, but Zhao Xuri restored parity for China before the break.

Info-graphic: Saudi Arabia vs China (Design by Farwa Rizwan/Al Arabiya English

Saudi fans have been disappointed as their country was on a losing streak and failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2014. Reports indicate that the Saudi federation has high hopes that this game will restore its image.

In a press conference on Tuesday the new manager of the Saudi national team, Lopez Caro, seemed optimistic as he placed more young players in the team.

These players include Abdullah Atif who currently plays in a team in Portugal.