Sports / Soccer
China thrash Malaysia 5-1 in Group C opener
(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-10 23:04
KUALA LUMPUR - China stormed to an emphatic 5-1 victory over Asian Cup
co-hosts Malaysia on Tuesday, putting on the most impressive display of
the tournament so far as they cruised to victory in their Group C opener.
The 2004 runners-up became the first of the favoured teams to score a
victory in the tournament after Australia and defending champions Japan
were held to respective 1-1 draws by Oman and Qatar in their opening
group matches.
Despite enjoying home advantage, Malaysia failed to emulate the
performances of fellow southeast Asian co-hosts Vietnam and Indonesia,
both of whom scored surprise victories in their first games.
Thailand are the other nation hosting the 16-team tournament that
culminates with the final in Jakarta on July 29.
China's goal rush began after just 15 minutes when striker Han Peng
headed in Wang Dong's high cross from the right after Malaysia's defence
was split open by some dynamic approach play.
Midfielder Shao Jiayi, who plays for Energie Cottbus in the German
Bundesliga, doubled the lead after 36 minutes with another free header.
Any hopes of a Malaysian comeback were dashed six minutes after the break
when Wang made it 3-0 with a snap-shot from outside the box that
deflected in off defender Fauzie Nan.
Han made it 4-0 with his second goal of the match four minutes later,
when he turned in Mao Jianqing's cross from the left.
Malaysia scored a consolation goal in the 73rd minute when substitute
Indra Putra beat Li Leilei with a low shot from the edge of the penalty
area, but Wang restored China's four-goal advantage with a looping header
in the final minute.
China play their next match on Sunday against Iran, who open their Group
C campaign against Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
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