Like a victory: 'We're counting our blessings,' says Hong Kong coach after raining on China's parade in World Cup qualifier
On home turf, the mainlanders squander a host of chances in 0-0 draw in World Cup qualifier, which means HK retain top spot in their group
Hong Kong rained on China's parade last night with their best result against the mainland for 30 years as they earned a hard-fought goalless draw at Baoan Stadium in Shenzhen.
Noted soccer fan President Xi Jinping might have enjoyed the nation's tub-thumping "victory over Japanese aggression" parade in the capital earlier in the day, but if he was tuned in later on he'll have been far from happy with Alain Perrin's China as they squandered a host of chances.
LIVE BLOG: Against all odds, Hong Kong hold China to 0-0 draw in World Cup qualifier
Thanks to incredible hard work for over 90 minutes from every player on the pitch - and more than a bit of luck, Hong Kong remain top of their World Cup qualifying group with seven points from three games.
You can say it was a blessed night for Hong Kong. I am very proud of the players
Not since they beat China 2-1 in Beijing in 1985 have Hong Kong avoided defeat to "Big Brother".
China were denied by the woodwork four times and could have been out of sight by half-time, but in the end the 2,200 travelling fans from just over the border were left delighted.
Head coach Kim Pan-gon admitted luck played an important role after the home team failed to take their chances, but was overjoyed by his players' attitude.
"You can say it was a blessed night for Hong Kong," he said. "I am very proud of the players - even though we are in preseason we gave our best. They gave their all and fought for the name of Hong Kong soccer.
"China created a number of good chances in the first half, but our players continued to fight under difficult conditions."
A huge security presence was in force amid worries that the national anthem of China would again be booed by Hong Kong's fans, but the March of the Volunteers was treated with due respect by the visitors.
The result was all the more remarkable given that China's players - who are 72 places above Hong Kong in Fifa rankings - are midway through the Chinese Super League season, while the Hong Kong Premier League won't kick off until next week.
Kim said they could look forward with optimism to their next qualifier, at home to the group's other big guns, Qatar, on Tuesday.
Hong Kong had an early setback when captain Chan Wai-ho twisted his knee and had to limp off, but replacement Jean Kilama rose to the occasion. His partnership with Baise Festus in the central defence was superb.
The home team were totally dominant throughout, but repeatedly denied by the woodwork, goalline clearances from Kilama and Baise, and some fine saves from goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai - and their own poor finishing.
"It was disappointing that we failed to win the match at home," said a bemused China coach Perrin.
