China opened up Group A play the same way it opened up its second round series against Laos: down a goal at home at halftime. Though the Chinese dominated the scoring chances in Kunming, visiting Singapore's ageless wonder Aleksandar Duric popped up on a two-man counterattack to overcome the Chinese defense and grab a one-goal lead.
China saved its graces after being granted a couple of highly questionable decisions by the referee. Qu Bo had a penalty saved by Singapore's goalkeeper Lionel Lewis in the 59th minute as Singapore preserved their 1-0 lead. However, ten minutes later China were awarded a penalty that never was. The shot was slotted home this time, equalizing the score at one goal apiece. China then took its first lead four minutes later on a rebound tap-in. However, Duric appeared to be taken down in the Chinese box late in the half but appeals for a Singapore penalty kick were waved away. Singapore's coach Radojko Abramovic was so incensed that he was sent off the pitch. China won 2-1 and take the full compliment of three points.
Jordan, underdogs in their road encounter with Iraq in spite of their higher seeding, were looking to spring the upset in this matchup of Arab teams. Jordan continued their excellent form from their series against Nepal with a goal just before the half, leading to a bench-to-touchline celebration for the Jordanians.
Barely two minutes out from the break, Jordan struck again, further silencing the crowd at Arbil and placing Jordan in an excellent position to see out the match and claim top spot in the group. They were able to do just that, sending the Iraqi fans home disappointed by their team's 2-0 defeat. Jordan look to take command of the group at home to China on Tuesday while an incensed Singapore side look to vent their frustrations at home to Iraq that same day.
China
Zheng Zhi 69 PK
Yu Hai 73
Singapore
Aleksandar Duric 33
Jordan
Hasan Mahmoud 43
Abd Allah Deeb 47
Match Reports:
http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item667240/Singapore-enraged-by-China-defeat/
Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO1-O4jSo-Y (China v. Singapore)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGjFezfs2k8 (Jordan v. Iraq)
Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfYmVph2SF8 (first half of China v. Singapore)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF86GMofaZI (second half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_wneSi5uzM *(Jordan v. Iraq)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_wneSi5uzM *(Jordan v. Iraq)
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