Taiwan’s men’s national soccer team last night suffered a 2-1 defeat against Guam in their opening match of the East Asian Cup second qualifying round in soggy conditions at the Taipei Municipal Stadium.
Before the game, Taiwan midfielder Chou Victor Zi-hsuan told the Taipei Times: “It is a crucial game, the first match in every tournament is important, and a victory could give us a lot mentally.”
Taiwan — ranked 188th in the FIFA world rankings — started badly, conceding a penalty in the 13th minute, which Guam — ranked 162nd — converted through captain Jason Cunliffe.
A brave goal-line clearance by defender Chen Yi-wei prevented the visitors from doubling their lead in the 26th minute.
A lapse in concentration from Taiwan’s defense then saw pacey Guam winger Shane Malcolm race clear and calmly lift the ball over goalkeeper Lu Kun-chi from just inside the area in the 40th minute, to make it 2-0 at halftime.
In the 56th minute, the hosts pulled a goal back when striker Chen Hao-wei outpaced the Guam defense and slid the ball under the goalkeeper.
Taiwan were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty a few minutes later as they began to dominate a tired-looking visiting side.
Chen Hao-wei found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the dying moments, but his lob from outside the area bounced agonizingly wide.
Despite the late pressure, the hosts failed to score the equalizer they deserved.
“We created a lot of good chances, but unfortunately our players did not capitalize on them,” Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen said. “I am proud of our players, they did not give up, they pushed right until the end.”
The defeat to Guam was not an ideal start, but the team must pick themselves up quickly ahead of their next game on Sunday against a Hong Kong side who lost 2-1 to North Korea yesterday afternoon.
In the women’s competition at Hsinchu Stadium on Tuesday, Taiwan beat Hong Kong 2-0, while South Korea top the standings on goal-difference after routing Guam 16-0.
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