Advertisement

China fans have ‘no hope’, Raygun is world No 1, what happened overnight in world of sport

Defeat at home to Saudi Arabia sparks expected backlash on social media, Harry Kane hits 100 milestone, Pochettino is new US boss

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
China head coach Branko Ivankovic sits on the bench during his side’s World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia. Photo: Xinhua

The emotional turmoil of sport does raise the question of why we love it so. For every soaring high there is a heartbreaking low, tears fall with joy as well as sorrow – at least they do for those invested heavily enough in the fortunes of their favourite team or athlete.

Advertisement

It also sparks countless hours of debate over decisions that deny success or secure it, over who was the best, or worst, across generations, and whether the game as it is now is a shadow of what it once was.

Heavy philosophical stuff for a Tuesday morning, but all themes that cropped up while you were sleeping.

It’s the hope that kills you

The fact China fans still care enough about the team to boo after the entirely predictable loss to Saudi Arabia should be of some small source of comfort to manager Branko Ivankovic and his bosses on the mainland.

Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Kadesh scored both of his team’s goals against China. Photo: AFP
Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Kadesh scored both of his team’s goals against China. Photo: AFP
Advertisement