Shandong, Capital Teams Given FA Edge

The Philips Football Association Cup may again put Beijing Guo'an against Shandong Luneng in the November finals, according to Chinadaily.

Beijing Guo'an, two-time winner of the FA Cup, will meet Wuhan Heart K on August 24 and August 27 in a home-and-away semi-final.

Last year's league and FA Cup winners Shandong Luneng will face Chongqing Longxin in the other semifinal.

Though a Group B camp,Wuhan are not a weak. Most players have expertise, and some of them, such as ace forward Cai Sheng, has proven a danger for the goalkeeper.

Since coach Wei Kexing took over early this season, Guo'an have gradually stepped out of the relegation zone.

Outstanding performances by veteran Wang Tao, plus the rapid progress of young hopefuls Shao Jiayi, Yang Pu and Xu Yunlong gave Guo'an a chance to become more professional.

Now, after 15 rounds, Guo'an is in the middle of the ranking.

Shandong's rival Chongqing Longxin also turned out tough.

During the two teams' six matches from 1997 to 1999, Chongqing never lost to Shandong.

But with star forwards Su Maozhen and Wiberto Del Valle Casiano, Shandong are seen having a winning edge, especially after a 3-2 victory over Longxin in seven meetings earlier this year in Chinese league play.





People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/