SYDNEY, March 27 (Xinhua) -- China defeated World Cup-bound Curacao 2-0 in a FIFA Series match at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Friday, marking a victorious start for its head coach Shao Jiayi.
Facing a physical Curacao side in slippery conditions, China focused on defense during a tight first half that saw few clear scoring opportunities for both sides.
The opener came in first half injury time on a counter-attack, with Wei Shihao scoring from inside the box following a Zhang Yuning header to give China a 1-0 halftime lead.
Curacao brought on several players in an attempt to bolster its attack, but China doubled the lead in the 59th minute. Zhang capitalized on a poor clearance inside the penalty area, firing a first-time left-footed shot into the net.
China will face Cameroon in Melbourne on March 31.
Curacao will play the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, marking its first time to compete in the global football showpiece. ■
