Asian Cup: Dong's a winner
Dong Fangzhuo tasted Asian Cup action on Tuesday as China thumped co-hosts Malaysia 5-1 in their opening match in Kuala Kumpur.
The United striker came on in the 72nd minute with his team already comfortably in front thanks to a double from 23-year-old Peng Han and a 36th-minute finish by German-based Jiayi Shao. Midfielder Dong Wang also ended the match with a brace when he wrapped up the scoring in the final minute.
China, losing finalists in the 2004 competition, now top Group C, although Iran and Uzbekistan play on Wednesday.
Dong, one of five strikers in the Asian Cup squad, will hope to have done enough to win a place in Zhu Guanghu's starting XI for China's clash with Iran on Sunday.