Against all odds, Hong Kong hold China to 0-0 draw in World Cup qualifier - live blog
'Little brother' gives 'big brother' a big fright in a crunch game in Shenzhen
Like a victory: 'We're counting our blessings,' says Hong Kong coach after raining on China's parade in World Cup qualifier
WOW! A famous win – sorry draw – for Hong Kong as they remain top of the group with seven points from their first three games, with Qatar to come at Mong Kok Stadium next week.
Massive cheers from the visiting fans in the North Stand as the team come to celebrate with them.
China will wonder how on earth they failed to score – they hit the woodwork four times in the first half, while HK had to clear off their own line several times. Yapp Hung-fai made some terrific stops, big centre-half Jean Jacques Kilama was immense at the back, and as the match wore on and China ran out of ideas, the feeling grew that HK could actually take something from this.
Some reaction from the coaches:
“You can say it was a blessed night for Hong Kong,” said HK's Kim Pangon. “I am very proud of the players - even though we are in pre-season we gave our best to hold the opponents. They gave all their and fought for the name of Hong Kong soccer.
“China created a number of good chances in the first half, but our players continued to fight under difficult conditions. That’s more important than luck.”
A bemused China coach Alain Perrin:
“It was disappointing that we failed to win the match at home.