Liu Ruofan (2nd L, front) of China shoots during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Du yu)
HANGZHOU, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- China beat Myanmar 4-0 at Group A in the Hangzhou Asian Games men's football competition here on Thursday, reaching last 16 with still one game to play.
"We did what we want, to make out of the group. I am satisfied, we had nine goals in two games, it was not easy," China's coach Dejan Durdevic said after the match.
China defeated India 5-1 in their opening match. The hosts kept their momentum and took good advantage of their height in the match against Myanmar, hitting three headers home to put the match under control.
Tan Long opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute, as he headed Liu Yang's left side cross home.
Tan and Liu are both overage players in China's squad, Durdevic said he was proud for his decision to choose the duo.
Only four minutes later, Tan doubled the lead for China as his header once again hit home thanks to the pinpoint cross from right side by Wang Zhen'ao.
"I chose players not only for their ability, but personality, they are leaders. I need players who want to play in this team," Durdevic said.
Wang pocketed his own goal with an acrobatic volley in the 22nd minute to gift the hosts a 3-0 lead.
Dai Weijun added another header in the 44th minute and China led 4-0 into the halftime break.
China dominated the second half but they squandered a handful of chances.
"In the second half we wanted more, but it was usual after we scored four goals the players thought it was a little bit enough for them," Durdevic said.
"China deserves the win, and they were better than us. In the first 22 minutes we conceded two goals, and the second half is goalless. We can accept this," Myanmar's coach Michael Feichtenbeiner said.
Elsewhere in Group A, Sunil Chhetri netted an 85th minute winner to gift India a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh. ■
Wang Zhen'ao (C) of China competes during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Tan Long (2nd R) of China competes during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Dai Weijun (1st R) of China scores a goal during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Myanmar's goalkeeper Pyae Phyo (R) makes a save during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Chit (C) of Myanmar competes during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Fang Hao (R, front) of China competes during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
Liu Ruofan (L) of China competes during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Du yu)
He Yupeng (L) of China competes during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Du yu)
China's goalkeeper Han Jiaqi celebrates during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Wang Zhen'ao (C) of China celebrates his goal with teammates during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Tan Long (front) of China celebrates his goal during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
The line-up players of China pose for photos during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Du yu)
Fans cheer for China during the men's football group A round match between Myanmar and China at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Du yu)
