China beat Bangladesh, North Korea down Uzbekistan with Myong hat-trick

SYDNEY, March 3 - China's Wang Shuang and Zhang Rui struck late in the first half as the Women's Asian Cup holders overcame debutants Bangladesh 2-0, while North Korea's Myong Yu-jong struck a first-half hat-trick in the 3-0 defeat of Uzbekistan in Group B on Tuesday.

Wang's header in the 24th minute was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up but the forward, who scored five goals in the 2022 edition, scored 20 minutes later with a right-foot shot that curled into the net near the far post.

Zhang doubled China's lead two minutes later as her low shot from outside the box was deflected by a defender.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter's flying one-handed save had denied Zhang Chengxue in the 68th minute to keep Bangladesh in the game but they were shut out by China, having only one shot from inside their opponents' box in the match.

Three-times champions North Korea, playing at the continental showpiece for the first time since losing to Australia in the 2010 final, dominated at Western Sydney Stadium with a mixture of neat passing and steely defence.

Midfielder Myong opened the scoring in the sixth minute and added two goals from the penalty spot before being taken off at halftime in one of six substitutions made by the North Koreans.

The Uzbeks, back at the Asian Cup after a 23-year absence, lost a string of players to injury, which could cost them in their remaining group matches against China and Bangladesh.

China next face Uzbekistan on Thursday when Bangladesh play North Korea. REUTERS