Sweden v Hong-Kong
Sweden (7) v (4) Hong-Kong
Not even the high volume and inexplicable support of the Wales team could rouse the Orange-kitted Hong Kong side to victory against a powerful Sweden team which shut up shop in the second half to protect a slender lead. Perhaps their caution was justified; Hong Kong had grabbed the lead just 10 seconds into this pitch 2 fixture and consistently threatened throughout.
The team from across the bridge had fanatical support in the crowd themselves though and soon equalised that early goal; then quickly moved into a 3-1 lead. The match ebbed and flowed until half time and looked set to go into the break all-level. But an extraordinary finish from the tightest of angles from the Swedish No.5 gave them a deserved 5-4 lead.
Hong Kong's players got a half-time talking too from their coach, but Sweden were prepared for an onslaught and played a watchful game to fend off some scrappy attacks. Amid the defensive stalemate though, Sweden slowly began to build pressure and it was the big No.3 that sealed the win with two crucial strikes. The Wales team were silenced and the Swedish crowd found their voice.
Joel Dimmock