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Powerful China Easily Outpaces Oman
By Eddie dos Passos/HKHA
China went into cruise control in their final Pool A match completing a 6-1 rout over Oman to remain top of the standings.
China coach Ti Liguang was all smiles as his side easily outpaced; and were without doubt the tactically superior side against Oman, who had no answer as their side crumbled under the onslaught of the Chinese Amada.
On the score-sheet, China produced not one but six different scorers to set up their clash with Pool B runners-up Iran, who will be facing their toughest opponents to-date, with Oman leaving the venue without making a comment
Ti felt it was more a tactical victory comparing the result to their earlier matches and was adamant they still had some ways to go although China are to meet Sri Lanka on Saturday for a place in Sunday’s final with the winner of the other Pool, runners-up Singapore facing Iran.
The encounter between China and Oman was a mere formality for Ti’s side, who were easily the stronger of the two, with the opening 15 minutes of the game, having China pouring immense pressure on the Oman goal.
“Yes! Oman are a fast team and like playing an attacking game,” said Ti, whose side were on the scoreboard within ten minutes of the start through Ao Yang, from the field.
Less than a minute past before another Chinese player saw his name lit up on the electronic scoreboard, this time coming from a Guo Xiaoping field-goal.
Sixteen minutes elapsed before China were to score again, and not because Oman held their own but more likely, the players realized their opponents were no match to them.
As two goals came in a fury, in a gap of five minutes, initially from Ying Kai (27th) and a stroke off Wang Zipeng (32nd) as they headed into the break on a comfortable 4-0 lead.
However, Ti conceded his player’s minds had drifted as they began to toy with Oman upon resumption of play.
“Yes! The players moods changed (after the break) and they were not concentrating hard on the game,” he said.
While admitting his players had followed orders to a Tee, he felt there were definitely areas to improve on if they were to take on stronger sides and be taken seriously.
“Overall, I would give a perfect 10 for my team as they played a relaxed game, fully in control and knowing what they needed to do, but their concentration needs to be worked on,” he said.
“After all, we have met our target of reaching the top four and that is to qualify,” he said.
Another aspect to their victory was actually Oman’s fitness or lack of one, according to Ti, who was appreciative of the Oman players’ physique.
“Oman’s fitness is not up to par if we go by international standards, they easily lost ball possession but they have good upper body strength,” he said.
He said that was another area he would be working on, as currently they do go into the gym to work out,” he said.
Although China will take on Iran in their semi-finals, the coach said he would much rather face Iran compared to Singapore in the final, as he knew the Singaporeans were a tactical and skillful side.
Oman were not available for comment as the team left the King’s Park complex immediately after the final whistle.
Oman will face Hong Kong on Saturday in the battle to avoid seventh place with the winner from that match taking on Chinese Taipei on Sunday for fifth/sixth place.
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