China have booked a place in the semi-finals of
the Asian Cup after a resounding 3-0 victory over Iraq.
In a very heated match that included a 20-man punch-up, Hao Haidongd the score with an eighth minute striker and defender Zheng Zhi
settled the issue with two late penalties to put the Chinese.
China, who are trained by Dutch
coach Arie Haan will now either face Iran or South Korea who are
trained by Dutchman Jo Bronfrere.
Although Iraq were unable to produce any up-front
fireworks, Iraq midfielder Qusay Munir certainly produced some fireworks
after he kicked out at Chinese substitute Sun Jihai in the 84th minute.
Goalkeeper Ahmed Ali was then sent off in injury time for punching Sun and
another fight erupted as referee Shamsul Maidan of Singapore struggled to
restore order.
China, who have never won the Asian Cup dominated
the match for the full 90 minutes and could well cause a surprise in the
remaining 2 games of the event.
