RIYADH - China head coach Branko Ivankovic came to Saudi Arabia hoping to earn a crucial point in the FIFA World Cup qualifier. Instead, he left with a 1-0 defeat - and three sidelined players.

In a bruising first half, defenders Jiang Guangtai and Gao Zhunyi exited with muscle injuries, while Lin Liangming was sent off for a reckless challenge on Saudi defender Hassan Kadish.

After seven matches, China remains bottom of Group C with six points. Up next is a home clash against Australia next Tuesday, followed by a visit to Indonesia and a final home game against Bahrain in June.

Despite playing with 10 men for the entire second half, Ivankovic praised his team's effort.

"Saudi Arabia is a very strong team, they've played in many World Cups," he said. "They were better in the second half. Given the circumstances, it was difficult for us to do more."

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China has never won an away match against Saudi Arabia, managing just two draws in previous five visits. FIFA's latest rankings reflect the gap, with Saudi Arabia at No. 59 and China at No. 90.

Still, Ivankovic felt his team applied pressure early. "We wanted to surprise them," he said. "I congratulate my players for fighting in such a difficult situation."

Saudi Arabia broke through five minutes into the second half when Salem Al Dawsari pounced on a rebound, slotting home after China goalkeeper Wang Dalei had parried an initial shot.

China had to face tough challenges just before halftime when Lin was sent off for a reckless kick to Kadish in the face. The match was briefly halted as the Saudi defender received treatment before being stretchered off.

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Despite dominating possession, Saudi Arabia struggled to capitalize on its chances. Faisal Al Ghamdi had a first-half goal disallowed by VAR for handball, adding to the host's frustrations.

Following the defeat, China immediately left for home to prepare for the clash with Australia, who prevailed 3-1 last October.

"This is football," Ivankovic said. "All we can do is to focus on the next game."

However, with Jiang and Gao unlikely to recover in time, that task won't be easy.

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"We need 24 hours to assess the injuries," Ivankovic added. "But from our experience, if it's a muscle issue, it will be difficult for them to play."  

Still in race

Reflecting on the result, China national team captain and goalkeeper Wang Dalei said that despite the loss, his team still has a chance to reach the tournament finals. "It's quite regrettable," adding that football is a team sport and the outcome should not be attributed to individual performances.

Wang remains optimistic about China's qualification prospects. "We still have a chance because both Bahrain and Indonesia also lost their matches," he said.

China defender Jiang Shenglong expressed his determination to continue helping the team and maintain his form in the upcoming matches, particularly the next against Australia.

Jiang noted that China started well in the game, but Lin Liangming's red card disrupted the team's rhythm. "The red card was an accident, and it completely changed the game. There are too many uncertainties in football. We need to learn from this match and prepare for the next one," he said.

China hosts Australia in Hangzhou next Tuesday.