Asian Games, Football: India fall to hosts China in opening group game

Despite a spirited first-half performance, India fell to hosts China 1-5 in their opening group game at the 2022 Asian Games on Tuesday at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium, in Hangzhou.

Rahul KP scored India’s only goal in injury time of the first half.

China began the game at a frenetic pace, buoyed by strong home support. It was early in the first half when they conjured their first chance, Tao Qianglong crossing from the left only for Xu Haoyang to put his header wide.

China repeatedly targeted the Indian right through the early exchanges, Tao running riot, and with ease. In the 13th minute, Tan Long was played through by Dai Weijun, a brilliant through ball undoing the Indian defence. Long shot at goal from close range but a snap reflex by Gurmeet saw the attempt saved. In the end it didn’t matter, the linesman had ruled it offside.

India, though, had started growing into the game, led by captain Sunil Chhetri, who dropped back repeatedly to pick the ball and hold possession. A minute later India had a first attempt at goal, via Chhetri. A misjudged run by Sumit Rathi saw the ball ricochet into space on China’s left. Chhetri picked it up and...

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