Sports / Top News |
Barcelona defeats Beijing Guo'an 3-0 in 1st game of Asia tour(AP)Updated: 2007-08-05 20:12 BEIJING -- Barcelona defeated Beijing Guo'an 3-0 on August on goals by Giovanni dos Santos, Andres Iniesta and Ronaldinho in the opener of a three-game tour of Asia for the storied Catalan club. The Mexico-born Dos Santos gave Barca a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute, scoring on a 20-meter (yard) shot from the right side. Iniesta scored in the 58th, sidefooting home from short range. Ronaldinho capped the scoring on a twisting 25-meter (yard) free kick in the 77th. In a loosely defended game, play was wide open before a near-capacity crowd of 33,000 at Beijing's Fengtai stadium. Barcelona had a wide advantage in the play and always seemed in control, although Beijing Gou'an threatened occasionally. Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o started for Barcelona with Ronaldinho on the bench. Lionel Messi, Barca's other top offensive player, missed the trip to Asia so he could take a vacation following the Copa America. Ronaldinho entered at the start of the second half for Henry. Barcelona continues the tour with a game against the Yokohama Marinos in Japan, and then faces a Hong Kong all-star team. |
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