Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pohang: Ricardo Goulart and Gao Lin were on target as defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande of China kept their hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League Round of 16 alive with a 2-0 win at Korea Republic’s Pohang Steelers on Tuesday evening. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
Anything but three points at The Steelyard would have seen Luiz Felipe Scolari's side eliminated with a game to spare but goals either side of half-time from Goulart and Gao Lin instead saw Guangzhou move to third place in Group H on five points with Pohang a further point behind.
However, both Guangzhou and their hosts will have to hope that in Wednesday’s tie between the top two placed sides, Sydney FC - who qualified for the Round of 16 without kicking a ball - defeat Urawa Red Diamonds for their respective campaigns to stay alive going into the final Matchday in a fortnight’s time.
“It was not an easy game but we played well, defended well and we had chances to score more goals than we did,” said Guangzhou coach Scolari.
“As far as reaching the Round of 16 is concerned, we can focus only on what we can control and tonight we did a good job and we will keep doing so.
“There is still work to do for us but we will keep going until the end and do our best.”
For much of the first half in Pohang, it was a cagey affair with the home side and the visitors aware of the consequences of not winning.
Both teams had half chances early in the game but as the half progressed, Guangzhou started to take control.
Just before the 30-minute mark Paulinho dragged a shot wide from close range. Minutes later the Guangzhou midfielder blasted over from the edge of the area.
But it was 2015 MVP and Top Scorer Goulart who broke the deadlock after 32 minutes. Gao Lin collected a throw-in on the right corner of the Pohang penalty box and swept a perfect cross towards the far post where Goulart crept in to poke the ball into the roof of the net.
Pohang's best chance of the first half came just before the break as a left-foot shot from Lee Gwang-hyeok from the edge of the area flew just wide of the Guangzhou post.
Immediately after the restart, Gao Lin put the Chinese Super League champions further ahead.
A long ball from the back seemed simple enough for Pohang defender Kim Gwang-suk to deal with but the defender hesitated and a scuffed shot from the Guangzhou striker rolled past goalkeeper Kim Jin-young.
Scolari's men continued to push forward, looking for the third and just before the hour, it nearly came but substitute Liu Yuanyi shot wide from near the penalty spot.
Guangzhou were cruising with Pohang struggling to create any kind of meaningful chance. In the final ten minutes, the three-time continental champions pushed forward but Guangzhou's defence held firm.
And with five minutes remaining, Xu Xin should have sealed the win but blasted wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.
There was still time for Yang Dong-hyun to shoot straight at Zeng Cheng and then to somehow shoot wide from six yards out as Guangzhou held on for their first win of the 2016 campaign.
“I want to thank the players for their efforts and apologise to the fans; it was a frustrating night for us,” said Pohang coach Choi Jin-cheul.
“After conceding, we tried to get back in the game but were unable to do so. We know, however, what we have to do in the final game against Urawa Reds.
“We will go to Japan and do our best to get the win. We will keep fighting until the end.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports