The first game in the final round of the EAFF Cup in nine years, many would have expected Hong Kong to concede more, but it was once again a 2:0 loss up against one of Asia’s top teams, Korea, away at chilly Busan with another great defensive display from all players.
Yapp Hung-fai 6/10
Only conceded from 2 set-pieces that he could not have done much more to stop them. Did not have too many difficult saves to make besides punching off a powerful header in the second half, but he almost conceded one after a howler.
Tong Kin-man 5/10
Did his defending in open play but lapsed at set-pieces. If he had jumped in the wall, the first goal might have been deflected but he stood still on his feet. Also lost his man for the second goal.
Helio 8/10
Man of the match for Hong Kong as he cleared away most of the dangerous balls entering the box. Great tackle in the first half to prevent a one-on-one opportunity.
Fung Hing-wa 6.5/10
Not a bad international debut from the 27 year-old, kept well to his job of marking Korea’s lone striker.
Tsui Wang-kit 7/10
Good defensive display on the left that allowed little room for Korea’s right.
Huang Yang 6.5/10
Conceded the free-kick that led to the first goal with a handball but the captain often played as the fifth defender in keeping the defense tight.
Tan Chun-lok 6.5/10
Was not as impressive as his previous display but provided solid shielding in the midfield for the defense.
Wong Wai 5.5/10
The technical attacking midfielder could do little in a game with so little possession and was at times looked lost.
Law Tsz-chun 7.5/10
Hardworking down the left flank. Covered Tsui Wang-kit well defensively on the left but still needed to work more on his attacking as a winger. Had a chance in the second half to put a dangerous cross in but overhit it for his two teammates in the box.
Cheng Siu-kwan 7/10
Delivered a superb ball to James Ha for his first scoring chance. Like Law Tsz-chun on the other side, Cheng was hardworking and offered defensive cover for Tong Kin-man down the right.
James Ha 7/10
Knew his role well and performed well for his tasks. Got on the end of two great counter-attack to score for Hong Kong but was let down by his finishing.
Subs:
Roberto Junior 6/10
Replaced Cheng Siu-kwan on the right-wing as opposed to his usual position in central midfield but did not get much chance going forward.
Giovane 5.5/10
Failed to offer the super sub effect with 30mins to play, covered little ground and did so little.
Ju Yingzhi 5.5/10
Came on at 72th minute for Wong Wai and offered little.
