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SCMP Reporter

A two-goal blast by Chen Tao of China in eight minutes sank Hong Kong's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the men's soccer competition.

Chen, who scored a hat-trick against Macau in their opening match, opened China's account 45 seconds into the second half through a header and scored his second in the 53rd minute.

The 2-0 victory over Hong Kong clinched a semi-final berth for China with two wins in two matches, but Hong Kong face a tough battle if they are to make the play-offs.

In an earlier match, North Korea, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Hong Kong in their opening match, thrashed hosts Macau 13-0.

China lead the group on six points, followed by North Korea (four) and Hong Kong (one).

The Koreans face China in the final group match, while Hong Kong take on  Macau tomorrow.

'There is still a chance that we can qualify in second place, but it will be very difficult,' said Hong Kong coach Lai Sun-cheung. 'We need to beat Macau by a big margin and  North Korea have to lose to China.'

'China are the best team in the group and they played well tonight, especially on attack. We held them off for the first 45 minutes, but a lapse of concentration in the opening minute of the second half cost us dearly. Our players were too conservative in the first half.  They must change their attitude if they want to play better soccer.'

Hao Junmin, a second-half substitute, was sent clear on the right before providing the cross for Chen to head home in the first minute of the second period. Chen made it a double eight minutes later.

Hong Kong had goalkeeper Fan Chun-yip to thank for keeping the game goalless in the opening 45 minutes. After going 2-0 behind, Hong Kong had two chances to close the gap, but the attempts by Shan Kwok-fai and Lo Kwan-yee were both stopped by China's goalkeeper Li Shuai.



Chen's strikes leave HK playing catch-up