Ankle injury may force Hao Haidong out of Asian Cup
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-07-24 15:14

Veteran Chinese striker Hao Haidong may miss the remainder of the Asian Cup finals due to an injured ankle and knee, reports said Saturday.

Hao dislocated his left ankle and twisted his knee during China's 5-0 pounding of a ten-man Indonesia on Wednesday, which saw him limp off the field, the reports said.

Doctors told the Dalian Shide player that recovery could take up to ten days, China's official Xinhua News Agency said.

Hao, 33, has been one of China's most consistent scorers and his loss would cost the team poise and experience up front.

China's Dutch-born coach Arie Haan has three strikers left to choose from, including talented youngster Li Jinyu, veteran Li Yi, and newcomer Zhang Shuo. Midfielder Shao Jiayi, who plays for 1860 Munich in Germany, has also proven himself a force on offense, scoring twice against Indonesia.

Xinhua quoted Hao as saying that he could be fit to play if China reaches the August 3 semifinals. Group A leader China is virtually assured a place in the second round and has one group round match left on Sunday against lowly Qatar in Beijing.

"I believe China can do well this time at home," Hao was quoted as saying. "And I hope that I can be match-fit at that time."

A veteran of China's 2002 World Cup debut appearance, Hao was one of four Chinese players who scored in Wednesday's match, during which Indonesia had a man sent off in the first half.

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