China beat Myanmar 4-0 in their second game in Group A of the men's football event at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Thursday, advancing to the Round of 16 with one game to go.
All of China's four goals were scored in the first half. Tan Long scored two headers in the 15th and the 19th minute. Three minutes later, Wang Zhenao cut a soft clear by Myanmar's defender and blew a sensational volley right in between the goalkeeper's finger tip and the crossbar, extending China's lead to three goals. Then in the 44th minute, Dai Weijun turned into Liu Yang's cross from the left into the fourth goal, sealing the deal early for their side.
In the other game of the group earlier on Thursday, India edged Bangladesh 1-0. Such a result enabled China to book a spot in the knockout stage before playing Bangladesh on Sunday. China will face the third-place team of either Group B or Group D in the Round of 16. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Mongolia are No. 1 to No. 4 in order in Group B by Thursday. Japan, Palestine and Qatar are No. 1 to No. 3 in order in Group D.
(Cover photo: Players of China celebrate their 4-0 win over Myanmar in the men's football group game in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, September 21, 2023. /CFP)