2009 Jul 30 Talking Balls: Shoot-outs and Dust-ups
Football in China is making all the headlines but the good ones for the Premier Asia Trophy have been overshadowed by the actions of a team from Tianjin. The entire team has been disqualified by the CFA from the National Games after taking their protests with a referee a little too far. Click the links to be amazed by the video.
Another sad piece of news is that racism is apparently rearing its unwelcome head in the Chinese game. Chongqing Lifan's Costa Rican striker, Johnny Woodly Lambert, was abused in a friendly match against an Anhui team. Some colourful remarks from the Anhui players led to a five minute brawl. This was a bit of a rude awakening for new Chongqing signing Ailton and the team's new manager Arie Haan, formerly manager of the national team.
The good news is that a very well mannered crowd watched the first two games of the Premier Asia Trophy at the Workers' Stadium last night. West Ham and Spurs played before Beijing's finest took on Hull.
West Ham (0) vs. Spurs (1)
The match played out slowly in the Beijing heat but some x-rated challenges gave the impression that this was a regular London derby and not a pre-season friendly. Spurs got the winner from a Jermaine Defoe goal, which Hammers keeper Robert Green should have dealt with. West Ham didn't trouble the Spurs custodian in the 90 minutes and will probably be happy to have managed to score nil. The game was not a classic by any means but the North Londoners were worth their victory.
Beijing (1) vs. Hull (1)
4-5 after penalties
The Tigers started with the gusto that took them into the top half of the Premier League table in the first half of last season. Geovanni scored a 25-yard wonder strike to stun the hosts in the ninth minute. Sadly for Hull their early promise did not result in another goal and Guoan got a grip on the game. Two minutes into the second half they got a deserved equalizer from Cameroonian defender John Paul Modibo. As time went on it was obvious that Beijing were in the middle of their season while Hull are still working on their fitness, a fact which was exacerbated by the humidity. There was no winner in normal time and it went to penalty kicks. Unfortunately for Beijing this finished in a 5-4 victory for the visitors.
Tomorrow is the Final and Third-place Playoff. Guoan play West Ham and Spurs meet Hull. If last night was anything to go by then Spurs and Guoan fans will be happy tomorrow night. This is a bit of a shame as Hull's fans were particularly vocal and deserve something for bringing a bit of football culture to the city.
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