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| Chinese U-17 players celebrate
their championship in Shizuoka, Japan September 18,
2004. (Agencies) |
China only just edged out northeastern neighbours Korea DPR in a
hard-fought 1-0 final to claim the laurels at the Asian U-17 Championship on
Saturday, recapturing the continental title after a 12-year drought. Qatar
claimed crucial third after defeating Iran 2-1, and will join the two
finalists as Asian representatives at the FIFA U-17 World Championship
next year in Peru.
The Asian Championship that ran from 5 to 19 September produced a
series of magic moments and chaotic drama. Hosts Japan went out poorly in
the group stage, while defending champions Korea Republic stumbled in the
quarter-finals, losing out to their brothers from the north. Aggressive
Qatar emerged hands-down as the most potent side, scoring 15 goals in just six
games.
Eventual finalists China and Korea DPR were both considered dark horses
at the outset of the competition. But after eliminating favourites Iran
and holders Korea Republic respectively, they proved beyond a shadow of a
doubt their status as rightful regional powers.
Pak Hui-sam's Korean charges took the initial edge in the opening
minutes of the final at the Fujieda Stadium. But it was China - with the
psychological superiority of
their 2-1 victory over Korea DPR in a previous meeting in the group stages
- that kept their cool to hold the free-attacking Koreans at bay.
The North Koreans had a golden opportunity to break the stalemate after
31 minutes, but Choe Myong-ho's fierce strike splattered tragically
against the woodwork. And an even better chance came only one minute later
when Pak Chol-min rounded goalkeeper Wang Dalei. But after hesitating, a
gang of Chinese defenders roared back to block the path to goal.
 China's stamina and
tireless work rate eventually took a toll in the second half. And with
only five minutes to go, Wang Weilong rose like a rocket to nod home the
only goal of the match, sealing China's second title in the history of the
junior continental competition.
"We got better with each game, and I couldn't be prouder of how the
team played," remarked China boss Zhang Ning after the final. "We got
stronger and stronger, and more importantly, we proved we can play with
individual style and flair."
The tournament saw a good number of young Asian talent emerging for the
first time on the international stage. Yang Xu, who topped China's scoring
chart with three goals, proved himself a speedy striker with great ability
in the air. And his teammate Wang Weilong, who scored the winner against
DPR Korea in the final, looked a lion at the centre of defence.
Choe Myong-ho of DPR Korea may well have proven himself the
competition's top performer. Given the nickname "Korean Ronaldo" by
Chinese media, he was a delight to behold. He scored the third goal in the
4-1 win over Thailand and always looked menacing in the final with China.
Qatar's Yusef Ahmad Ali is a goal getter with a great future ahead of
him, scoring no less than seven times in six games. To say he has a nose
for goal would be a laughable understatement, as his average in the
competition amply proves.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-09-21 09:30