China’s men’s football team ended a 28-year medal drought at the Asian Games by clinching the bronze medal in a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Uzbekistan in Aichi-Nagoya. The match, which ended 2-2 in regulation time, saw China triumph 4-3 in penalties, largely thanks to goalkeeper Li Hao’s two critical saves.
The game began with China taking an early lead in the 15th minute when Hu Hetao skillfully exchanged passes with Kuai Jiwen before confidently finishing in the penalty area. Uzbekistan, however, managed to level the score just before halftime, with Sardorbek Bakhromov finding the net in the 42nd minute following a well-coordinated attack.
China regained the lead eight minutes into the second half through a stunning effort by Wang Yudong, who fired a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area. The team nearly extended their advantage when Zhang Yuning’s shot hit the post, but Uzbekistan’s persistence was rewarded in the 89th minute as Shodiyor Shodiboyev equalized after an initial save by Li Hao.
With no extra time allotted in the bronze-medal match, the game proceeded directly to penalties. Li Hao’s heroics in the shootout, where he saved two penalties, proved decisive in securing the victory for China.
This bronze medal marks China’s fourth in men’s football at the Asian Games, having previously won bronze in 1978 and 1998, and silver in 1994. The result is a significant achievement for the team, especially after their semifinal loss to South Korea, and represents a return to the podium after nearly three decades.