Mitch Freeley

You can watch the Live Match Stream of Philippines Vs China via beIN CONNECT

Match Report

China reached the last 16 of the Asian Cup after Wu Lei's double helped defeat the Philippines 3-0 in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Marcello Lippi's men followed up their opening victory against Kyrgyzstan with another three points as Wu Lei lit up an otherwise forgettable encounter with a stunning goal in either half.

The Shanghai SIPG star posed China's chief threat throughout and was duly rewarded, while substitute Yu Dabao then netted with his first touch to add gloss to a deservedly one-sided scoreline late on.

China are now guaranteed to at least finish among the four best third-placed teams in the pool stage and can secure top spot in Group C in their final match against South Korea.

The two sides initially cancelled one another out in a scrappy start, before Wu Xi squandered the game's first real opportunity as he directed a header wide with the goal gaping after 33 minutes.

It was an effort of high quality that broke the deadlock, though, as Wu Lei sent a 20-yard curler over Michael Falkesgaard and into the top-left corner shortly before the break.

Wu Lei almost added another spectacular strike following the restart, but Falkesgaard was this time equal to his powerful first-time volley.

The 27-year-old would not be denied a second, however, and swivelled onto Hao Junmin's free-kick to arrow the ball beyond the helpless goalkeeper.

A sharp late stop from Falkesgaard did at least prevent a seemingly inevitable hat-trick, but Yu was introduced before the resulting corner and stooped to head into the net.

Goals

Goal! Sub Yu Dabao is on for a matter of seconds and heads in the third! 

Goal! Wu Lei doubles China's advantage with a fine volley! 

Goal! Wu Lei fires China into the lead with an absolute cracker of a goal!

Live Updates

Preamble

Sven's men are wearing a fetching all-white number for tonight's game. Kinda reminds me of a kit of a side the Swede coach has managed before?!

For all our Kababayans watching the match today in Abu Dhabi, WEAR WHITE! See you all at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium! 🙌🏻
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🎨Fan art by: Pat Concepcion#OneBlood#DreamTheImpossible#AsianCup2019
⚽️🇵🇭🐺 pic.twitter.com/8cKqZS0Jhp — The Philippine Azkals (@TheAzkalsPH) January 11, 2019

Hold the phone! We have the team news! For the Philippines, Carli de Murga is in at right back in the only change to the side. As for China, they seem to be lining up in the 3-5-2 formation. Keep an eye out for Wu Lei, he will be one of the dangermen for the Dragons! 

📝 🇨🇳 🆚 🇵🇭

China PR to qualify or Philippines to bounce back to the competition? Less than one hour to go!#AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/lKnikPc2ss — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 11, 2019

China can book their place in the round of sixteen with a victory today. China boss Marcello Lippi revealed in the pre-match press conference that he is looking for an improvement from his side! Wise words from the Italian boss! 

"For tomorrow's match the most important thing for us is to find the balance between defence and offence. We must not make the same mistakes we made when we were against Kyrgyzstan."

Spanish born defender Alvaro Silva was full of praise for the fans against South Korea! Just imagine if the Azkals can defeat China in only their second ever Asain Cup game! 

Thanks to all pinoy for your support. keep going.... #LabanPilipinas ❤️🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/oqsGDw6hh0 — Alvaro Silva Linares (@Alvaro4silva) January 7, 2019

The Philippines have been loving their Asian Cup adventure so far! They should be willed on by plenty of expats today, including the ambulance crew! 

We’re sure the boys will be in good hands today in Abu Dhabi — check out the all Filipino ambulance crew on our side of the bench. #OneBlood 🇵🇭⚽️🐺 pic.twitter.com/xF0qpj99Lt — The Philippine Azkals (@TheAzkalsPH) January 11, 2019

Good afternoon! Welcome to the Live Updates of the Philippines Vs China in the Asian Cup! The Azkals put up a committed if a flawed game against South Korea and only lost 1-0 to the Asian Powerhouses. Sven Goran Eriksson's side defending diligently throughout the contest yet failed to make their chances in the final third count. They will be taking on a China side who came from a goal down against Kyrgstan to win their opening game 2-1 against Kyrgyzstan. As ever, join me for all the build-up, team news along with Live Match commentary and goals from the game in Abu Dhabi!