(Sports Focus) China begins Asian Cup campaign with crucial victory over Saudi Arabia (updated 1)

China made the perfect start to their 2015 Asian Cup campaign, holding on for a pivotal 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Brisbane on Saturday.

China head coach Alain Perrin was satisfied, saying "tough match brings joy".

Following an impressive individual performance, Yu Hai scored the game's decisive goal, firing a deflected long-range free kick into the bottom corner with just nine minutes remaining to secure victory.

Yu's goal came just moments after Chinese keeper Wang Dalei saved Saudi Arabian striker Naif Hazazi's penalty, which he'd won himself after being fouled by Ren Hang inside the area.

It meant that China followed in the footsteps of South Korea and Uzbekistan earlier in the day, after the pair also sealed 1-0 wins over Oman and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea respectively.

But it was in Brisbane where the game's most entertaining match was being held.

A Chinese side led by the industrious work ethic of Hao Junmin started in positive fashion against Saudi Arabia. However, both sides found chances hard to come by in a dour first half.

Hao's creativity eventually carved an opportunity for Wu Xi, who went past an opposition defender with neat footwork, before dragging his shot narrowly wide.

It proved the only shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, as both sides went into the break scoreless.

Saudi Arabia started the second period with far more intent, but yet they still struggled to break down a stern Chinese back four. Eventually, on the hour mark, the pressure appeared to have paid dividends.

After being sent through on goal following a wonderful threaded pass by Salem Al Dawsari, Saudi striker Hazazi was hauled down by a rash challenge from Ren, with a penalty awarded.

However, Hazazi's stuttering spot kick lacked conviction, with Wang Dalei able to make a routine save to keep the scores level.

As the game reached its final stages, it became stretched, with opportunities now flowing regularly. On the counter, Al Dawsari saw an effort saved comfortably by Wang, while Hazazi fired wide from a narrow angle.

But with nine minutes of normal time remaining, China claimed the lead. Yu's deflected 30-yard free kick wrong-footed Waleed Abdullah in Saudi Arabia's goal, nestling in the bottom corner.

It delighted the 12,557-strong Brisbane crowd, which consisted mainly of a vocal Chinese supporter base, and provided a thrilling conclusion.

Despite Saudi Arabia's best efforts, China would hold on for a potentially decisive victory, handing Alain Perrin's side the perfect start to the tournament.

"Congratulations to the whole team, tough match brings joy and we feel happy," said Perrin. "I think our preparation paid off today. The goalkeeper performed perfectly, and we seized the opportunity to win. Our task right now is to prepare for the next match."

"I'm satisfied with our defending line and with our players. We didn't allow a goal," he added.

Earlier in the day, South Korea also secured a hard fought 1-0 victory over Oman to begin their campaign in Canberra.

Although they dominated the contest, South Korea relied on Cho Young-Cheol's goal on the stroke of half time to seal the result and a crucial three points in Group A.

South Korea threatened early through Son Heung-Min. Latching onto a long pass, the winger flicked his effort over the head of Oman keeper Ali Al Habsi, only for his shot to crash against the crossbar.

Despite Oman's resistance, South Korea continued to apply the pressure as the half wore on. Eventually, in first-half stoppage time, they would break the deadlock.

Koo Ja-Cheol's initial 25-yard effort was pushed back into the danger zone by Al Habsi, with Cho easily able to stick home the rebound.

Al Habsi may have been at fault for South Korea's opener, but Oman could thank their keeper for a string of saves that kept them in the match.

First, he clawed out Abdul Salam Amer's inadvertent header, which nearly crept in for an own-goal, before denying Koo's glancing effort with an acrobatic touch over the crossbar.

Oman had struggled to create chances, but deep into injury time they forced a fantastic opening. Amad Al Hosni's near-post header looked destined for the back of the net, only for South Korean keeper Kim Jin-Hyeon to produce a fantastic save, tipping his shot onto the bar.

It ensured South Korea began the tournament with a vital three points following a slender victory.

Uzbekistan also began their campaign with a 1-0 victory thanks to Igor Sergeev's decisive second-half goal against DPR Korea in Sydney.

Uzbekistan had started well, with Timur Kapadze's towering far-post header cannoning into the post. But a resolute DPR Korean defence ensured there would be few scares in an even opening period, with the two sides going into half time level.

In trying conditions amid torrential rain, DPR Korea started brightly after the interval. Ri Yong-Jik had the side's best opportunity, testing Uzbekistan keeper Ignatly Nesterov with a rasping 30-yard shot.

But it was Uzbekistan who claimed the lead on 62 minutes. Server Djeparov's pinpoint cross found Sergeev, who directed his header past the despairing Ri Myong-Guk in DPR Korea's goal.

DPR had a late chance to snatch a point, but a brilliant reflex save from Nesterov kept out Pak Kwang-Ryong's stoppage-time header, as Uzbekistan took all three points. Endi