France (1) v (6) Hong Kong

By Matthew Price

HONG Kong have continued their strong start to the 2008 Homeless World Cup, beating France 6-1 at Melbourne Pitch on Tuesday.

The French downed Romania at the same venue earlier in the day to open their campaign, but were never in the hunt against a smaller but well-organised Hong Kong side.

Cutting open the French defence with angular first-time passes, Hong Kong went 2-0 up before France's big No.7, Karim Bentaleb, pulled one back.

France settled late in the first half and began hammering the Hong Kong goal with a series of mid-range shots.

But they found goalkeeper Siu Fung Cheung in unbeatable touch between the sticks. He pulled off several diving stops, then brilliantly parried a penalty by Bentaleb.

A thundering drive from the left made the half-time score 3-1 to Hong Kong.

France began the second half needing to change the pattern of play, but for the first few minutes they were barely given a look at the ball as Hong Kong made superb use of space.

The Asian side began to drop players off French defenders, trying to create room for Kwok Fu Leung to lash in shots from the left flank.

France closed the gaps well but a speculative long shot spilled in off the French keeper and captain.

Leung rifled a first-time shot to put the result beyond doubt at 5-1, before Wing Ki Chan capped the result with the sixth goal in the shadows of full time.

Photos: Photoworx