East Asian Football Championship: poor Hong Kong sunk by China
If earlier tournament defeats by Japan and hosts South Korea had been anticipated, there was genuine optimism that Hong Kong could claim their first competitive victory over the Chinese in 40 years.
Those hopes were sunk by Huang Zhengyu, whose 20th-minute strike spared China the ignominy of finishing bottom of the four-team competition. That fate instead belonged to Hong Kong, just as it had on their previous four appearances.
Hong Kong would not be blamed if they wanted nothing more to do with these finals, whose ongoing viability will, surely, come into after the five matchdays over nine days attracted a series of desultory attendances. Of the 1,423 watching here, roughly 80 per cent were from Hong Kong, and what an atmosphere they created.
Even Huang's breakthrough goal, the midfielder's first in seven China appearances, did nothing to quieten their noise. Following a spell of concerted pressure, Huang latched onto a return pass from striker Zhang before sliding a weak effort past goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai, who dived the wrong way.
Fernando tries to resist the hands-on approach of midfield counterpart Xu Xin. Photo: HKFA
Tan Chun-lok had aimed the first attempt when he sent a long ranger scurrying past the post inside 30 seconds. Wang Yudong responded for China with a cross shot that flew narrowly off target.
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