Tokyo 2020: Hong Kong down Philippines; now face South Korea for spot at Olympics
- After all the waiting, it all comes down to one game against South Korea at 4.40pm Hong Kong time
- After trouncing the Philippines, Hong Kong now have a remarkable opportunity – win and they go to Tokyo next summer
Hong Kong are now one win away from calling themselves Olympians.
As the rain drizzled down on Namdong Asia Stadium, the men’s sevens rugby team put in another solid effort, downing Asian rivals the Philippines 26-0 in their semi-final of the 2020 Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Olympic Qualifier. Hong Kong will now play South Korea, who beat China in the other semi-final, for a one-off game to head to the Olympics, which will start at 4.30pm Hong Kong time.
Coach Paul John said there isn’t much else he can say to his players now.
“They don’t need much,” said John, who called the match against the Philippines a “dog fight”.
“There’s enough senior players and players who know what is on the line. It’s just a matter if they play like they can, and express themselves like they can, we will be in a good place.”
John said the final, which will be played in slippery conditions against a team who will have most of the stadium cheering for them comes down to staying in control of the match. “We can’t let momentum changes effect us, that’s the beauty of sevens and that’s why we love it, and why we have no hair.”