The Hong Kong football team failed to conjure another miracle at the Hangzhou Asian Games as they were beaten 4-0 by Japan in the semi-finals.
After making history by reaching the last four with a shock 1-0 win over Iran, coach Jorn Andersen's men were stopped in their tracks by Samurai Blue, leaving Hong Kong to fight for bronze against Uzbekistan on Saturday.
It was a sobering end to a day that started gloriously, cyclist Yang Qianyu adding a seventh gold medal to Hong Kong's haul with victory in the women's road cycling event, ensuring the city's best-ever performance in the Asian Games.
Hong Kong athletes have so far won 50 medals, breaking the record of 46 set at the 2018 Games in Jakarta. Their haul includes 15 silvers and 28 bronzes.
Shun Ayukawa sent Japan on their way with a 23rd-minute goal before Shota Hino put two past goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing in the second half, with Yota Komi also finding the net.
Playing against a strong team like Japan is "a very valuable lesson," striker Sun Ming-him said, as Hong Kong can learn how Japanese players adapt to the game and tear up their opponents' defense.
"It is rare for Hong Kong to get into the semi-finals, therefore we are greedy for a medal. We will keep calm and put our best foot forward in the bronze medal match," he added.
In Hong Kong, supporters gathered in malls to watch the match, including at Olympian City, in Tai Kok Tsui, which provided live broadcast at its atrium.
"It was a glorious defeat," a man named Tsang said.
Another supporter added: "We will continue supporting you, guys. Win us a bronze medal!"
Government officials, including Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin gathered at Kowloon Park to watch the live broadcast.
Yang narrowly edged out defending champion Na Ah Reum of South Korea at the end of the 140-kilometer race.
Even as she suffered from cramp in the final kilometer, Yang soldiered on and finished in three hours, 36 minutes and seven seconds. "It is like a dream to me," a tearful Yang said. "I have been focusing on track cycling and have not trained myself for road cycling."
Yang's teammate Lee Sze-wing finished eighth.
In squash, Chan Sin-yuk advanced to the women's singles final after beating Ho Tze-lok in an all-Hong Kong clash. Chan will face Malaysian Subramaniam Sivasangari for the gold medal at 4pm today.
Ho settles for bronze, as do Lee Ka-yi and Wong Chi-him in mixed doubles and Henry Leung Chi-hin in men's singles.
Meanwhile, the men's team in bridge faces India in the final today.
