Chinese footballers suffer 3-0 defeat again at the hands of DPRK

DPRK's Ri Yong Jik (R) challenges China's Chang Feiya during their men's soccer qualifier match for the 17th Asian Games at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon September 15, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

INCHEON, South Korea -- About one year ago, the Chinese Olympic soccer team lost to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) 3-0 in the East Asian Games in Tianjin, China, finishing last to disappoint their victory-hungry supporters.

At the Incheon Football Stadium on Monday, the young Chinese team lost their Asian Games opener in the same score, watching Sim Hyon-jin, So Kyong-jin and Ri Hyok-chol complete the tally with half an hour to go.

Efficiency, accuracy, patience. It seems the Chinese team lacks everything a team needs to win.

Heads down, Chinese footballers left the pitch.

"One goal down too early," said China coach Fu Bo, referring to Sim's goal at the 10th minute.

Fu said the Chinese were stunned and dumbfounded by the DPR Koreans' early goal.

With the lead, the DPRK team pulled off brilliant passes in front of the Chinese goal, creating far more chances than their opponents. The stats showed that the DPRK team led 23-7 in shots while Chinese shots were long and from poor angles.

"The DPRK team was very good, especially in speed," said Fu. "They deserved the win."

Fu has to look beyond the Asian Games to the the Rio Olympics two years away.

"It's a wonderful experience for the young guys to play against a good team in the world," he said.

Fu had expected his team to fight for a semifinal berth in the Asian Games, but his plan was foiled by "uncertain factors", as the coach put it, including a controversial decision by Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng which refused to let six players leave for the Incheon Games.

Shandong was punished by the Chinese Football Association.

But in Fu's eyes, Shandong's decision was not a major reason for his team's loss.

"They opened the score early and then our players didn't know what to do," said Fu. "All three goals happened after we made mistakes."