Team China
Refereeing error dashed China's 2012 Olympic dreams
Updated: 2011-06-24 11:33
(chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)
Wang Dalei, goalie of China, reacts after the Asian qualifier for the 2012 London Olympic football match against Oman in Muscat, June 23, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua] |
Chinese football's Olympic dream ends on a sour note as Iranian referee Mohsen Torki blew off Lei Tenglong's last-minute goal at the 2012 London Olympic Asian qualifying game in Oman Thursday night.
China's players and coach Miroslav Blazevic protested vehemently but the Iranian referee stuck by his decision, sending off Blazevic and one of his coaching staff in the process.
The refereeing error leads to the tiny Gulf state of Oman's 3-1 success over a 10-man China with three goals in extra time, advancing 4-1 on aggregate.
China midfielder Wu Xi struck in the 69th but then substitute midfielder Cao Yunding was sent off by for a tackle on Amer al-Shatri. Despite being a man down, China rallied and created a host of chances but unable to convert.
Oman took advantage, scoring three times in extra time - including a brace from midfielder Hussain al-Hadri, who also scored the lone in the first leg.
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