Anthem protests mark Hong Kong v Iran World Cup Qualifier at Hong Kong Stadium as hosts turn in resolute rearguard performance against Team Melli
- Mixu Paatelainen’s defensive side impress against Asia’s No 1 side in 2-0 defeat
- Hosts create chances in front of nearly 14,000 cheering fans at So Kon Po
Hong Kong might have lost 2-0 against Iran but the home side’s resolute rearguard defence impressed against Asia’s No 1 side in their Fifa World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.
The boos that drowned out the national anthem at Hong Kong Stadium continued throughout the game as Iran played the role of pantomime villains to a home crowd in full voice.
Anti-government chants that have been heard in recent months, and at other football matches since the Hong Kong Premier League season kicked off last month, were sung but mostly the crowd got behind the 11 men in red shirts in what was an electric atmosphere.
Hong Kong’s first home game of this Asia World Cup qualifying round, following a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Cambodia last week, saw them face the best team in Asia, Iran.
Neither the players nor the fans were going to let Marc Wilmot’s side have it their own way in a muggy night at So Kon Po, with the 13,942 in attendance cheering on every Yapp Hung-fai save, James Ha breakaway sprint and last-ditch block from the defenders in between them.