Joy for China but Japanese sides flop in AFC Champions League

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2006

SINGAPORE (AFP) — Chinese giants Dalian Shide got their Asian Champions League campaign off to a winning start but coach Vladimir Petrovic was furious after seeing his side edge Vietnamese minnows Danang 2-0.

"I'm satisfied with the result but I feel disappointed about my players' performance during the first 40 minutes," Petrovic said after goals from Zou Jie and Ji Mingyi ensured the eight-time Chinese champions grabbed the three points in Group E.

"I also feel depressed with my player's seriousness during the game. I think today just two of my players, Zhang Yaokun and Ji Mingyi, played well."

Fellow Chinese hopefuls Shanghai Shenhua also grabbed a victory with a 3-1 win over Dong Tam in Group G but Japan's two teams in Asia's top club competition...