AFC Asian Cup: Philippines 0-3 China – Wu Lei double fires Marcello Lippi’s side in group C
- Yu Dabao also gets on the scoresheet as China romp to their second victory of the tournament and virtually seal a place in the knockout round
Star striker Wu Lei fired a brilliant double as China beat the Philippines 3-0 on Friday to virtually assure their place in the last 16 of the Asian Cup.
Marcello Lippi emerged victorious against old foe Sven-Goran Eriksson in a heavyweight coaching clash despite spirited early resistance from the Filipino Azkals (Street Dogs) in Abu Dhabi.
China, runners-up in 1984 and 2004, improved to six points from two games in group C after beating Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in their opening game.
They should have led after 32 minutes when Wu Xi headed wastefully wide from point-blank range.
But Wu Lei provided the spark five minutes before half-time, turning on the edge of the box and whipping a right-foot shot into the far corner.
His second was even better as he swivelled to slam a Hao Junmin free kick past goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard on the volley after 66 minutes to effectively finish the tie.