BANGKOK, March. 24 (Xinhua) -- China crashed out of the 2025 AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup on Monday after a 4-1 loss to three-time champions Japan in their final Group B clash.
Facing a Japanese side which had already assured of progression, China displayed resilience in the opening period, keeping a clean sheet despite Japan's sustained pressure.
Japan broke the deadlock in the second period with two acrobatic bicycle kicks for a 2-0 lead. An errant clearance by the Chinese side awarded their opponents the third goal in the third period.
With five minutes left before the final whistle, China finally opened their account as skipper Cai Weiming beat the Japanese goalkeeper Yusuke Kawai.
However, Kawai unleashed a long-range strike in the dying moments to seal the score at 4-1.
In the other Group B match, Saudi Arabia edged Iraq 3-2 to join Japan in the quarterfinals. China finished third in the group.
