Bale’s hat-trick fires help Wales to win over China 6-0 in China Cup opener

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Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick in the China Cup as Wales won over China 6-0 in Ryan Giggs’ first game in charge on Thursday night.

Bale scored in the second minute and sloppy defending by China led to the second as the Real Madrid forward was aware enough to outmuscle ambling defenders to beat a despairing goalkeeper. Wales went 2-0 up within the first 21 minutes.

Sam Vokes celebrates with a teammate during the match. /VCG Photo

Sam Vokes also scored with an assist from Andy King, but it was a Bale pass that allowed Wales to get into a dangerous position.

Harry Wilson scored to make it 4-0 before half time, but it was again on the back of excellent work by Bale.

Vokes shot again in the 58th minute, but the sixth and final goal of the night was scored by Bale before he was substituted to a standing ovation.

Unfortunately, those moments for China were rare on the night. The hosts had one glimpse of joy when substitute Yu Hanchao found some space at the edge of the box.

"I am not surprised by the fact we lost,” Said Marcello Lippi, “but I am surprised by the way we lost. I am not satisfied with the performance today. But I am the head coach of China, so I have to take full responsibility, my responsibility for making mistakes in selecting the players in the squad as well as the starting lineup."

Team China’s coach, Marcello Lippi in the press conference after the match. /VCG Photo