China reaches semifinals for first time in AFC U23 Asian Cup

JEDDAH, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China beat Uzbekistan 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw through extra time on Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to reach the semifinals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time.

China finished second in Group D with one win and two draws, reaching the knockout stage for the first time without conceding a goal. Uzbekistan topped Group C with two wins and a draw to reach the knockout phase for the fifth straight time.

The match remained scoreless through regulation. Uzbekistan controlled possession and created the majority of chances, recording about 70% possession and more than 20 shots, but China held firm and goalkeeper Li Hao made several key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Neither side broke the deadlock in extra time and the match went to penalties.

In the shootout, Li saved Uzbekistan's fourth kick before Wang Bohao scored the winner to send China through 4-2.

At the post-match press conference, China head coach Antonio Puche Vicente said the match was "very tough for us."

"We are very happy with all things because this is a history for us. This is a dream for us," he noted.

Li also expressed his delight after the match, saying, "I'm very happy and just want to enjoy this moment. And we also want to win the next match."

China will take on Vietnam in the semifinals next Tuesday. Vietnam stunned the United Arab Emirates 3-2 in the quarterfinal on Friday. ■