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Ivankovic hails China PR players for ‘great victory’

Ivankovic hails China PR players for ‘great victory’

Riffa: Branko Ivankovic believes anything is possible after Zhang Yuning’s late goal against Bahrain on Thursday propelled China PR back into the mix for automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Zhang struck in the first minute of time added on at the end of the second half as China PR secured a 1-0 win over Bahrain in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie to move to six points. 

It had looked bleak for China PR after three straight defeats but the wins over Indonesia and Bahrain mean they are now level on six points with Australia and Saudi Arabia with Japan, who play Indonesia later on Friday, leading the standings with 10 points. 
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group C : Bahrain 0 - 1 China PR

#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group C : Bahrain 0 - 1 China PR

“First of all, I would like to congratulate our players for this great victory,” said head coach Ivankovic. “It was a hard game but I think our performance deserved the victory.

“As I mentioned before, Bahrain are a good team and we knew this was a very difficult game for us. The players worked hard and fought well. They are all heroes in today's game to give us this precious victory. "
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“This isn't an easy group. Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia are perhaps one level higher but we tried to compete against them. 

“Bahrain and Indonesia can be seen as more our level which is why if we want to fight for a top four spot in the group, we have to pick up as many points as possible in those games." added Brankovic, with China PR to host Japan on Tuesday.
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Head coach Dragan Talajic was downbeat but remained determined to take Bahrain back on course for a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

"We did not deserve to lose this match, and I am the one who bears this result, but I promise you that we will qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” said Talajic, whose side play Australia at home on Tuesday.

"I congratulate the Chinese team on the victory, today we lost a battle but we will continue fighting.”

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