“Auttapon Sangtong turns the ball into his own net right at the end of the first half, giving China a fortunate but deserved lead.”
Pivotal“Just two minutes after the restart, Hetao Hu doubles China's lead, catching Thailand cold coming out of the break.”
Pivotal“Fresh off the bench, Yuning Zhang finishes off a spell of pressure built from back-to-back corners to make it 3-0.”
China U23
Thailand U23
China U23 controlled this Asian Games clash from start to finish, racking up 15 shots to Thailand's 8 and dominating dangerous attacks 61 to 35, even as the possession battle stayed even at 50-50. The breakthrough came right at the end of the first half when Auttapon Sangtong turned the ball into his own net, and China wasted no time doubling their advantage just two minutes into the second half through Hetao Hu. Substitute Yuning Zhang sealed the win with a clinical finish shortly after coming on, capping a match where Thailand's frustration boiled over into six yellow cards, including two shown within a two-minute span around the hour mark. For China, this result underlines their credentials as genuine contenders in this tournament, while Thailand will need to tighten up defensively and manage discipline better if they hope to salvage their campaign.
How entertaining was this match?
Corner awarded.
Chanon TammaYellow CardYellow card issued to Chanon Tamma.
Corner awarded.
On Haoyu Yang, off Weijie Mao.
On comes Chen Zeshi, off goes Wu Xi.
Corner awarded.
On Xu Bin, off Yimulan Maimaiti.
On Li Xinxiang, off Xiang Yuwang.
Corner awarded.
Chawanwit Saelao is on, and Paripan Wongsa is off.
assist: Chenjie Zhu
Goal! Zhang Yuning scores, making it 3-0.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Zhang Yuning comes on for Kuai Jiwen.
Kittapak Seangsawat is substituted off for Jehhanafee Mamah.
Jehhanafee MamahYellow CardYellow card issued to Jehhanafee Mamah.
Corner awarded.
Yellow card shown to Yimulan Maimaiti.
Goal! Hu Hetao scores, making it 2-0.
Goal! An own goal by Auttapon Sangtong puts the score at 1-0.
First half ends with a score of 1-0.
Goal! The score is now 1-0.
Yellow card shown to Kuai Jiwen.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Paripan WongsaYellow CardYellow card shown to Paripan Wongsa.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Yellow card issued to Phon-Ek Jensen.
Kick-off has occurred!
China U23 enter the quarter-finals unbeaten and top of Group B, but a resurgent Thailand side arrives determined to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Japan. With a single-elimination format, one mistake could end either nation's Asian Games campaign on home soil for China at Toyota Stadium.
