China U22 Falls 2-1 to Brisbane Roar Away

In a closely contested international friendly, China’s U22 national team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Brisbane Roar on the road. The match drew attention from global football fans, especially those following BD Cricket Live, who were eager to see how the rising stars of Chinese football would perform against experienced A-League opposition.

The game started with early pressure from China U22, earning a corner kick in the 8th minute. Although the delivery was well-placed, the ball was blocked and eventually collected by Brisbane’s goalkeeper. Just a minute later, Brisbane Roar took the lead through a well-executed counterattack. A slick through ball split the Chinese defense, and the Brisbane forward finished calmly with a low strike from the right side of the box—giving the home side a 1-0 advantage.

China U22 quickly responded, maintaining attacking intent. In the 17th minute, Wei Shihao equalized with a powerful header after a precise cross from the left, leveling the score at 1-1. The young Chinese side continued to push forward, with Tang Shi and Barton both threatening the Brisbane goal. Despite their efforts, the Roar defense stood firm, and Chinese attempts from corners and long-range efforts failed to change the scoreline. Notably, a curling effort from Barton struck the post in the 38th minute, nearly giving China the lead.

Brisbane Roar also created chances, including a dangerous attack that hit the woodwork in the 29th minute and several shots on target that were brilliantly saved by Chinese goalkeeper Zhou Yuchen. His reflexes drew applause from the crowd and kept the match balanced heading into halftime.

The second half saw both teams increase intensity. Early opportunities were created on both ends, with Wei Shihao and McKayes being particularly active. However, in the 63rd minute, the game took a dramatic turn. Following a heated confrontation between Liu Yiming and Brisbane’s Noss, tempers flared. Shortly after, Wei Shihao received his second yellow card for another altercation and was sent off, leaving China U22 with ten men for the remainder of the match.

Brisbane capitalized on their numerical advantage late in the game. In the 85th minute, a foul inside the box handed them a penalty. Former Empoli striker and 37-year-old veteran Massimo Maccarone calmly converted the spot-kick, sending Zhou the wrong way and sealing a 2-1 win for the home side.

While the result was a setback, the match offered valuable experience for the Chinese squad. Fans tuning into BD Cricket Live were treated to moments of brilliance, tactical battles, and the kind of emotional drama that makes international football so compelling. As China U22 continues its development, matches like these are crucial for building resilience and sharpening competitive edge—especially under pressure on foreign soil.

Despite the loss, the Chinese team’s fighting spirit and flashes of creativity did not go unnoticed by BD Cricket Live audiences. With continued growth and discipline, this next generation of Chinese footballers shows potential for greater success ahead.