Sun Ke scores twice in China’s 2-1 win over North Korea at Asian Cup
Alain Perrin’s unheralded winger’s fine form is key to the team’s success so far at Asian Cup
Sun Ke scored twice to steal the show again as China defeated North Korea 2-1 in Canberra yesterday to register a third win, their best ever start to an Asian Cup.
The in-form Sun, who netted a stunning winner against Uzbekistan, opened the scoring after just 45 seconds when he pounced on a hopeful long pass to poke the ball home.
He grabbed his third of the tournament shortly before the break, heading home a cross by full back Jiang Zhipeng.
Sun Ke is a very good player, extremely skilful with lots of quality, and is playing with very strong self-confidence at the moment
The brace repaid Alain Perrin’s decision to start the winger after his goal off the bench against the Uzbeks sent China into the knockout stages for the first time since 2004.
“Sun Ke is a very good player, extremely skilful with lots of quality, and is playing with very strong self-confidence at the moment,” Perrin said after the match.
“He is a crucial part of the team and is good with both feet. Because we don’t have many good forwards we play with a strategy that allows all of our attackers to have a chance to shoot and score,” the Frenchman added.
