China’s win marks their first appearance in the men's football semifinals of ASIAD since 1998, a significant milestone after nearly three decades. The team will now face South Korea on 30/9, following South Korea’s 4-0 win over Vietnam yesterday.
Goals: Auttapon (own goal) 45'+3, Hu Hetao 47', Zhang Yuning 63'.
China entered the quarterfinals as Group B winners, securing a 2-1 victory against North Korea and drawing 0-0 with both Iran and UAE. Thailand, meanwhile, impressed in Group A with comeback wins against Kyrgyzstan (3-2) and Hong Kong (5-1) to advance early, before a 0-3 loss to host nation Japan.
China was favored in the quarterfinal, boasting a core squad that recently finished as runner-up in the U23 Asian Championship 2026. Coach Antonio Puche further bolstered the team with three over-age national team players to address key positions: 37-year-old midfielder Wu Xi, known for his free-kick prowess; forward Zhang Yuning, who brings attacking experience; and quality wing-back Zhu Chenjie.
 |
China (red jerseys) defeated Thailand 3-0 in the ASIAD 2026 men's football quarterfinal at Toyota Stadium, Japan on 26/9. Photo: ThailandNT |
China (red jerseys) defeated Thailand 3-0 in the ASIAD 2026 men's football quarterfinal at Toyota Stadium, Japan on 26/9. Photo: ThailandNT
Despite not dominating possession, China played steadily, leveraging their physical strength in attack to trouble Thailand. The Southeast Asian side relied on goalkeeper Chommaphat Boonloet's saves to deny Zhu Chenjie in the 3rd minute, and later Wu Xi and Peng Xiao in the 31st minute. As the first half appeared headed for a goalless draw, China earned a free-kick on the right wing. Wu Xi delivered a cross to the far post, where Peng Xiao's close-range shot was saved by Boonloet, only for the rebound to hit Auttapon Sangtong and roll into his own net.
In the second half, before Thailand's tactical adjustments could take effect, they conceded a second goal. A cross from the right flank created chaos in the Thai penalty area, and Hu Hetao capitalized on a loose ball, slotting it into the top left corner to double China's lead in the 47th minute. In the 63rd minute, Chenjie delivered a cross from the left wing to the near post, where substitute forward Zhang Yuning made a clever run and finished from close range to seal the 3-0 victory.
The three goals significantly impacted Thailand's morale. With China opting to sit back and conserve energy, Thailand pressed forward in the final 15 minutes, but their shots lacked the power to beat goalkeeper Li Hao.
This marks China's first appearance in the men's football semifinals of ASIAD since 1998, when the tournament was held in Thailand. Back then, nations fielded their senior national teams, unlike the current format which features U23 Olympic teams supplemented by three over-age players. The 1998 tournament also involved two group stages before the knockout rounds. In that edition, China defeated Turkmenistan 3-0 in the quarterfinals, then lost 0-1 to Iran in the semifinals, and ultimately secured the bronze medal by beating Thailand 3-0.
The other semifinal will feature Uzbekistan, who beat Arab Saudi 3-0, against the winner of today's match between Japan and North Korea, scheduled for 17:30.
 |
Statistics from Thailand's 0-3 loss to China in the ASIAD 2026 men's football quarterfinal. Graphic: Hieu Luong (AI-assisted) |
Statistics from Thailand's 0-3 loss to China in the ASIAD 2026 men's football quarterfinal. Graphic: Hieu Luong (AI-assisted)
Starting Lineups:
China: Li Hao, Hu Hetao, Liu Haofan, Zhu Chenjie, Xiang Yuwang, Kuai Jiwen, Yimulan Maimaiti, Wu Xi, Peng Xiao, Mao Weijie, Yang Xi
Thailand: Chommaphat Boonloet, Chanon Tamma, Chanapach Buaphan, Sittha Boonlha, Yotsakon Burapha, Thanakrit Chotmuangpak, Auttapon Sangtong, Jehhanafee Mamah, Padipanchai Phothep, Paripan Wongsa, Phon-ek Maneekorn.
Hieu Luong
