Media Ashamed at China's 2-0 Loss to Uruguay

Home>>Sports

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, May 17, 2002

Media Ashamed at China's 2-0 Loss to Uruguay

Local media have toned down their expectations on China's World Cup debut following the Chinese eleven's 2-0 loss to Uruguay in the northeast city Shenyang on Friday.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Uruguay Beats China 2-0 at Soccer Friendly

Local media have toned down their expectations on China's World Cup debut following the Chinese eleven's 2-0 loss to Uruguay in the northeast city Shenyang on Friday.

"Milu was lucky," said a Chinese Youth Daily commentary on Saturday. "Without the help of goal post and a wrong decision which disallowed a Uruguay goal, China would have been humiliated more."

After drawing South Korea 0-0 and beating Thailand 3-1 in earlier friendly games, China ran into a real test against former soccer power Uruguay, which is making its 10th World Cup finals appearance in South Korea and Japan.

Striker Sebastian Abreu struck two late goals to beat the Chinese World Cup rookies led by Yugoslavian coach Bora Milutinovic, known as "Milu" in China.

Abreu, who plays for Cruz Azul in Mexico, was robbed of a hat-trick by a controversial offside ruling. A television relay showedhe was just onside.

Earlier, Inter Milan striker Alvaro Recoba found his low shot blocked by the post.

"Uruguay exposed most of the Chinese weaknesses and gave a lesson how the game should be played," said the Chinese Youth Daily.

The Shanghai-based Morning News criticized the players' inability to control the rhythm.

"Milu asked them to control pace and rhythm, but they failed todo so," said the paper.

The Shenyang-based Liaoshen Evening News lamented China's embarrassing gap with Uruguay.

"The game showed China was a weaker team both technically and mentally ," said the Liaoshen Evening News. "Uruguay is fifth in South America and it barely makes the world top 25. Where is China's position in the world or in the 32 World Cup finalists? Now you know it clearly."

"The Chinese Football Association did a right thing in giving 150,000 U.S. dollars appearance fees to Uruguay. The money was worthwhile," the paper added.

China is drawn with Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica in the WorldCup finals. The tournament starts on May 31.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Uruguay Beats China 2-0 at Warm-up Soccer Game

China Aims for Draw in Uruguay Game

Full-Strength China to Host Uruguay at Pre-World Cup Friendly

>> Full Coverage

China to Launch First Space Solar Telescope in 2005 ( 20 Messages)

Desertification Threat Advancing on Beijing ( 15 Messages)

China Is Among Countries with Wide Income Gap ( 60 Messages)

FM Spokesman on Anti-China Items In U.S. Defense Bill ( 75 Messages)

Spirit of May 4 Movement Still Inspires Chinese Youth ( 75 Messages)

China Launches Two Satellites ( 10 Messages)

Harvard Project in China Violates Farmers' Rights ( 28 Messages)

FM Spokesman on Consulate Intrusion Accident ( 34 Messages)

EP Always Picks on China with Cynical Remarks ( 20 Messages)