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STAFF

"We die together" goes the Cantonese phrase that Hong Kong fans used to describe the eagerly awaited showdown with China last night - and the red-clad army of 6,000 who packed Mong Kok Stadium went home delighted to have done just that after a 0-0 draw in World Cup qualifying.
The result did little to boost either team's hopes of becoming one of the four best second-placed teams who advance to the next stage of qualification.
But as Hong Kong's players bowed to every corner of the ground - shouts of "We are Hong Kong" blasting out, as they had all night - anyone walking down Flower Market Road and hearing the noise might have thought Hong Kong had won the World Cup, not drawn a qualifier.
Hong Kong somehow clung to a 0-0 draw in Shenzhen in the first meeting, and though this match was closer, fans again had the woodwork and goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai to thank.

WATCH: Hong Kong's soccer heroes share their joy after holding China to a draw again
Thousands of fans packed bars and public playgrounds around Hong Kong after failing to get tickets to the game.
READ MORE: BRAVE HONG KONG ... ALL THE BLOG ACTION FROM JAMES PORTEOUS
More than 1,200 police were on standby - fearing trouble after Hong Kong fans booed the national anthem at previous matches - and there was a huge security presence but the overall atmosphere - though massively partisan - was good-natured.
Hong Kong fans waited patiently for hours to get in. The 500 China fans were let in by a separate entrance and all were subject to ID checks, and extensive bag checks, while police dogs were deployed to detect dangerous articles, according to officers.
Police patrolled the area segregating the two sets of fans, while plain-clothes officers and the force's video team in vests were also spotted.
Mainland fans sang patriotic songs glorifying the Communist Party and local fans responded with rounds of jeering and displaying signs that read "BOO".
A minute's silence was observed to mourn the victims of the terror attacks in Paris.
Bars in Tung Choi street in Mong Kok did a roaring trade.
One bar manager said business was much better than usual "by at least 70 to 80 per cent". She added it was full house. A waiter from another bar said business increased by 50 per cent.
Casar Leung, 27, who watched on Mong Kok's Soy Street, said: "This result shows Hong Kong's football is not as bad as people always say."
More than 150 fans crammed a playground near the University of Hong Kong in Pok Fu Lam where a projector was set up.
Savio Wai, an education administrator, said: "It's a bit disappointing we didn't get the three points that are super important for us. But we are proud of them. Our goalkeeper did great."
Train driver Him Lo, like many fans, donned a red shirt and a headscarf emblazoned with "We are Hong Kong".
Asked about the atmosphere, student Rocci Yue said: "It's normal for fans to voice support … Hongkongers are civilised."
China fans were less positive, with many on Weibo questioning coach Alain Perrin and others, suggesting the country's most famous soccer fan, President Xi Jinping , take personal charge of reforming the game.


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Hong Kong players celebrate a draw with China that will go down as one of their most famous results.Photo: K.Y. Cheng

The visiting China fans show their loyalties.Photo: Dickson Lee

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Hong Kong coach Kim Pan-gon celebrates with his team after their gutsy 0-0 draw against China in a World Cup group C qualifier at Mong Kok Stadium. The result sent a 6,000-plus crowd into raptures. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Hong Kong's Festus Baise battles for the ball with teammate Jean Kilama and China's Yang Xu. Photo: Dickson Lee

China's Yu Dabao climbs for a header against Hong Kong. Photo: Dickson Lee


Hong Kong players celebrate at the final whistle. Photo: Associated Press

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China's players, in white shirts, show their disappointment as Hong Kong players celebrate after the 0-0 draw in their World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday evening. Photo: Reuters

News

Hong Kong

Sport

In a fevered atmosphere, city's soccer aces repeat famous result from Shenzhen in World Cup qualifier, sparking wild fan celebrations
