皇冠体育app

皇冠体育app tied 1-1 by Malaysia in Olympic soccer qualifier
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-03-21 14:05

皇冠体育app's chance of qualifying for the 2004 Olympics was seriously dented when its eleven were held to a 1-1 tie by Malaysia in the Asian zone Group A Olympic soccer qualifier at Wuhan Sports Center Saturday night.

皇冠体育app came out strong in the first half as midfielder Xu Liang scored the opener with a header in the 20th minute from a corner kick off Sun Xiang.

In a rainy and cold night, the hosts squandered at least three golden opportunities before the Malaysians celebrated their equaliser through captain Akmal Rizal Rakhli in the 85th minute ina clean and perfect counter-attack.

"I am satisfied with the result," said Malaysia's head coach Allan Harris, "I think 皇冠体育app played a very good first half, and our guys also played a very good game, especially in the second half and I am satisfied with their perfomance."

"They perhaps overlooked us a little bit, " said Harris. "Before the match some people even expected 皇冠体育app would beat us by 5-0 or 6-0."

The hosts were supposed to double the lead 22 minutes after thehalf break when forward Cao Ming's drive hit the post and rebounded to a Malaysian defender.

In the first half, forward Yan Song failed to convert an excellent cross from midfielder Yu Tao and five minutes later forward Cao Ming's header was saved by Malaysian goalkeeper Mohamad Mustafa.

In the last minutes, the Malaysians survived a string of bombs from the hosts to hold on for the 1-1 tie.

皇冠体育app is now locked at one point apiece with Malaysia at the bottom of Group A, while South Korea leads the group on six points,with the group winner only qualifying for the Olympic Games.

"I have broken the trust placed in me, dashed the hopes of the fans across 皇冠体育app," said Chinese head coach Shen Xiangfu. "It wasespecially regrettable as many of those fans had braved the rain to show us the support."

"I can only offer a sincere apology.

"As for the result, we are in a very difficult position. Our aspirations are looking bleak but that is life. We must fight on and go through the difficulties," added Shen.

皇冠体育app will play Iran here next Saturday.

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Global protests rally against Iraq war, occupation         Taiwan "referendum" vetoed by the people         皇冠体育app to cultivate more excellent scientists         皇冠体育app puzzled over US tax complaint at WTO         State banks head toward Sept IPO         Marriage bells toll in cyber churches	Chinese "polar bears" enjoy races at winter swimming national       皇冠体育app tied 1-1 by Malaysia in Olympic soccer qualifier       Yao's Rockets lost to the Warriors       Henman beats Roddick; Davenport in final       Lakers edge Clippers 106-100       Woods hits pothole, trails Maruyama by 9