Sports / News
China smash hosts' myth at Asian Cup
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-07-11 01:35
Hosts are like ferocious predators in the first few days of the ongoing
AFC Asian Cup 2007, and with concern to their apparent underdogs' status,
a surprising myth seemed to be rising.
But China suddenly snapped the last joint of the running chain with a
nearly perfect show against Malaysia, the last-appeared co-hosts of the
tournament.
Thailand came close to sink Asian Games finalists and Olympic Games
semi-finalists Iraq, claiming a 1-1 draw at the curtain-raiser to blow
the horn for the hosts. Vietnam then made further improvement, defeating
Gulf Cup holder United Arab Emirates 2-0. Indonesia added the degree of
the shock after overcame a quality Bahrain side 2-1.
Under the exteme hotness and moisture of the southeast Asian nations,
Asian powerhouse like Australia seemed to wilt and lose points when they
could not find their habitual rhythm and control. Even defending
champions Japan suffered from a late goal from Qatar to get a draw.
But the weakest one of the four co-hosts just could not continue the
miracle, although their coach Norizan Bakar said that it was their best
chance to prove to the world that Malaysia could perform and compete with
Asian top teams. And a pre-tournament underestimated China team just did
well enough to prevent the invincible miracle of the hosts.
Tall central striker Han Peng and right midfielder Wang Dong took a brace
respectively, and Cottbus playmaker Shao Jiayi added another. Malaysia
only netted an consolation goal by substitute hitman Indra Putra
Mahayuddin.
Although the fiasco of Malaysia makes the excellent performance of the
other three hosts' overcast, the power of them could still not be
doubted, and we should wait and see whether the miracle will go on, or
fade after their strong group rivals awaken in time.
Top Sports News
� China smash hosts' myth at Asian Cup
� Fans of Greek soccer team Iraklis attack club offices
� Liu gets another shot at Robles in 110 hurdles
� McLaren promise quicker car for Germany
� Yi beats the buzzer to lift Team China over cavs
Today's Top News
� Former SFDA chief executed for corruption
� June trade surplus hits new high
� Progress and problems mark elections
� 131 killed in South China floods
� Troops storm Pakistan Red Mosque
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours
Learn Chinese, Chinese language, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet
No comments:
Post a Comment