Starting players of China pose before the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
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. ■
Curacao's head coach Fred Rutten (R) instructs during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Players of Curacao react after team China scoring during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Zhu Chenjie (top) of China vies for a header during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Zhang Yuning (2nd R) of China celebrates after scoring during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Zhu Chenjie (L) of China vies with Juninho Bacuna of Curacao during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Starting players of Curacao react before the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Wei Shihao (R) of China vies with Sherel Floranus (C) of Curacao during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
Juninho Bacuna (2nd R) of Curacao reacts after missing a chance to score during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Curacao in Sydney, Australia, March 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
