Chinese men's soccer team suffers humiliating end at Asiad

Chinese men's soccer team leave the pitch after loss to South Korea during the Asian Games 1/8 final soccer match in Guangzhou , Nov 15, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU - Chinese men's soccer team suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to arch rival South Korea here on Monday when the host's aim to enter last eight was shattered in a lackluster 1/8 final.

The South Koreans met few threats from a seemingly amateurish side who created few chances and shots and had a fragile defence.

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Three easy goals from Kim Jung Woo, Park Chu Young and Cho Young Cheol sent South Korea to last eight and ended the host's journey in the Asiad tournament.

"The score was not a real reflection of the gap between the two teams," said Chinese coach Sun Wei who looked upset after the tormenting game.

He might leave his position soon as his job to lead his side to last eight failed.

"I don't know the future for this team. That will depend on the Chinese Football Associations," Sun said.

China was entirely on the defensive in first 15 minutes when the South Koreans kept on pressure with their dangerous striker Park Chu-yong's in front.

Four minutes later, Chinese players made a series of mistakes in their right flank before a speedy counter-attack of the opponent sent Kim Jung Woo unmarked in the area to beat a helpless keeper Zhang Shichang.

The host's only shot in first half was also their best chance in 90 minutes when Mai Tijiang's follow-up header soared above the crossbar.

Two minutes after the restart, Park Chu-yong showed his value as the overage player for his side.

China's Zhao Honglve fights for a ball with a South Korean player during their 1/8 final soccer match at the Guangzhou Asian Games, Nov 15, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

The striker from the French club AS Monaco delivered a curving free-kick to the far dead corner, enlarging the lead to 2-0.

Cho Young Cheol scored the last goal on 58th minute when the unmarked midfielder sent a left-wing low shot home.

In the final 30 minutes, the Chinese team virtually gave up.

"Chinese fans changed their allegiance," said South Korea coach Hong Myung Bo. "They supported us instead in the final minutes."

"They (China) have made some progress over the last few years. I admire some of their strategy and technical play and they have a lot of potential." he added.