Hong Kong, China lost 3-1 to the United Arab Emirates in the first round of the Asian Cup Group C Spotlight Match, which ended in the early hours of January 15, Beijing time. Although the men's soccer team of Hong Kong, China failed to win, but the performance of this game is still honored.
At this year's Asian Cup, Hong Kong, China, appeared in the final round again after 56 years. Ranked 150th in the world, they met the UAE, ranked 64th in the world and 8th in Asia, in the first round. Despite the difference in strength, the Hong Kong soccer team played quite confidently and calmly after the opening match. Naturalized player Ewarton threatened UAE's goal with several shots. In the 34th minute, Hong Kong China was penalized with a penalty kick.
At that time, UAE scored an overhead kick from the top of Alamiri's arc and the ball struck Zhou Yuande's arm and the referee checked the replay for a penalty. Alamiri's penalty kick hit the net to give the UAE a 1-0 lead.
Hong Kong, China did not give up. In the 49th minute, Hong Kong, China finally seized the opportunity, Chen Zhaojun received a pass from a teammate and helped the Hong Kong soccer team equalize the score. This goal also created history, this is the Hong Kong soccer team in 56 years after the Asian Cup scored, the last time Hong Kong, China in the 1968 Asian Cup scored.
Unfortunately, just three minutes after equalizing, HKFC fell behind again. Sultan added the extras to help the UAE take a 2-1 lead.
Towards the end of the game, a Hong Kong, China player who was losing fitness gave away another penalty kick, which Yahya Ghassani took.
In the second period, Hong Kong, China chased another goal, but it was blown due to an alleged handball, and slow-motion replay showed that the goal was blown questionably.
In the end, Hong Kong, China lost 3-1. According to the statistics after the game, the men's soccer team of Hong Kong, China threw 16 goals in the game, facing the Asian powerhouse UAE is not at an absolute disadvantage, the performance is much stronger than the national soccer team and Tajikistan.
After failing to score in this game, things are not looking good for Hong Kong, China. In the next round of matches, Hong Kong, China will play against the favorites Iran and may lose two consecutive matches. However, even though it will be difficult for the Hong Kong soccer team to advance, it can return to the Asian Cup after many years and accomplish its first goal of "1 goal, 1 point, 1 win" before the tournament begins. Hong Kong, China is worth the trip to the Asian Cup.
