Fifa World Cup qualifying: Hong Kong must survive Himalayan test in Bhutan to thrive against Iran and co
- Men’s national football team head to high altitude to face Bhutan, protecting a four-goal advantage going into the World Cup qualifying play-off second leg
- Head coach Jorn Andersen has criticised his team’s staying power, but defender Fernando insists they can rise to the occasion
Defender Fernando urged Hong Kong to overcome their recent lack of stamina on Tuesday as they head to the Himalayas for their make-or-break – and potentially lung-busting – Fifa World Cup qualifying clash with Bhutan.
They failed to add to their goals tally after the opening 35 minutes at Hong Kong Stadium, and head coach Jorn Andersen later admitted his side had continued a worrying trend, beginning at express pace only to run out of gas after half-time.
Hong Kong wanted a larger cushion ahead of a return fixture that will be staged on an artificial surface, and more than 2,000 metres above sea level in Bhutan’s capital of Thimphu.
Kitchee left-back Fernando believes they can progress to – and thrive in – a second-round group with Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, provided they keep working to bridge the gulf in intensity between the domestic game and international level.
