Chinese goalkeeper Guo Quanbo must have been cursing his luck on Saturday night.
With Guo shining in goal, Guus Hiddink should have celebrated a second successive victory at the four-nation tournament in Chongqing, but instead, Iceland's Eyjolfur Sverrisson was the head coach smiling at the end after the substitute Felix Fridriksson forced Guo into an equalizing own goal.
The hosts must have thought they had done enough to win, with their frontline creating a host of chances as Iceland were pinned back in their own half, but when Felix Fridriksson tried a speculative effort from the edge of the box, Guo could not save it, with the ball coming out off the post, off his head, and into his own net.
The only consolation for China is that they continue their recent mini-revival under Hiddink. The former Chelsea and Netherlands boss took over in September and judging by those early performances. It's fair to say the 72-year-old has made a decent start.
China's shotstopper Guo Quanbo chalks up an unlucky own goal despite a brilliant performance in goal during the game against Iceland on November 18. /VCG Photo
Fresh off a 1-0 win over Thailand on Thursday, China dominated the opening proceedings, and they broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Yin Congyao nodded in from close range after a frantic goal-mouth scramble. Then the Iceland goalkeeper, Aron Stefansson, was forced into a save when Lei Wenjie sent a long-range effort towards goal.
Both sides had opportunities as the game ebbed and flowed, and Yang Liyu showcased his dribbling skills by surging past three defenders in the penalty area before letting off a rocket of a shot with his right foot which sailed well over.
Iceland responded after the interval, with Guo making a series of difficult saves to keep the visitors at arm's length, but they were level just before the hour mark as Fridriksson canceled out Yin's opener with a powerful shot that was deflected in by an extremely unlucky Guo.
Guus Hiddink (L) salutes Chinese players' fighting spirit, but he also admits his side should have killed off the game. /VCG Photo
After the 1-1 draw, Hiddink lamented his side's inability to kill off Iceland after gaining the ascendancy during the game.
"We had a lot of chances to double the lead especially near the end of the first half, but unfortunately we didn't take them," said Hiddink.
"My players displayed courage, resilience and fighting spirit in the second half, and I was quite satisfied with that."
"As for the own goal, we have to accept it when something like this happened. Guo is a mentally strong player, and I don't think he needs extra consolation or encouragement."