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Zheng Zhi (R) and Malaysia's Shahrulnizam Mustapa fight for the ball during their 2007 AFC Asian Cup Group C soccer match in Kuala Lumpur July 10, 2007. [Reuters] |
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.
Although happy with the victory, China coach Zhu Guanghu said his team lost their discipline in allowing Malaysia to score after leading 4-0.
"I am concerned that Malaysia managed to fight back and score against us," Zhu told reporters.
"Before that we were in control and were disciplined.
"We showed character to go out and score a fifth goal, but we will certainly investigate why we allowed them to score and try not to let it happen again."
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.
