In a thrilling encounter at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday (February 1st), the FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup 2025 saw the World Legends clinch a 6:5 victory over Hong Kong Legends in a dramatic penalty shootout after an enthralling 3:3 draw in regulation time.
The match burst into life early, with the World Legends demonstrating their attacking prowess in the 2nd minute. David Silva orchestrated a sublime move, threading a precise pass to Diego Forlan on the right flank. Diego Forlan's quick turn and powerful strike forced Fan Chun Yip into a vital save.
The visitors continued to press, and moments later David Silva himself went close, curling a left-footed effort just wide of the upright after clever link-up play with Diego Forlan.
The hosts responded with vigor, and Lee Hong Lim carved open the World Legends' defense in the 6th minute with a mesmerizing run down the left channel, only to see his thunderous drive expertly parried by Petr Cech between the sticks.
The match continued at a blistering pace, with Hong Kong Legends creating a gilt-edged opportunity on 10 minutes. Chan Siu Ki split the defense with an inch-perfect through ball, releasing Lee Hong Lim clean through, but Petr Cech showed excellent anticipation to rush out and smother the danger.
The local side maintained their momentum, and in the 12th minute, Lee Kin Wo delivered an inviting cross from the right wing, but Leslie Santos, unmarked in a promising position, blazed his effort over the crossbar.
The World Legends' quality shone through in the 24th minute when David Silva, showing his class, engineered space in a congested penalty area. His initial attempt was blocked by Fan Chun Yip, who then produced a remarkable reflex save with his feet to deny David Silva's follow-up.
Drama unfolded in the 26th minute when Cafu whipped in a dangerous cross that Lo Kwan Yee inadvertently turned into his own net, but the celebrations were cut short by the assistant's flag for offside.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 31st minute through a well-crafted Hong Kong legends’ move. Leslie Santos's pinpoint long ball found Chan Siu Ki, whose precise cross picked out the unmarked Lee Hong Lim to slot home from close range, making it 1:0.
The World Legends' response was swift and stylish. Eden Hazard, showcasing his sublime skills, carved through the defense before executing an exquisite backheel to find Ryan Giggs, who finished clinically from an acute angle to restore parity.
Both sides continued to trade blows, with Rivaldo coming agonizingly close for the World Legends, while Chan Siu Ki forced Petr Cech into another crucial save at the other end.
On the stroke of halftime, Hong Kong Legends regained the lead through Lee Hong Lim's clinical finish, the striker keeping his composure to convert Christian Kwesi's defense-splitting pass for his second of the match. The first half finished with Hong Kong Legends enjoying a 2:1 lead over the World Legends.
The hosts extended their advantage shortly after the restart when Ju Yingzhi demonstrated exceptional vision and technique, executing a delicate chip over the advancing David James after being released by Chan Siu Ki's precise pass.
Despite trailing by two goals, World Legends tried to mount a comeback. Gary Cahill came within inches of reducing the deficit in the 67th minute, his powerful header from Luis Garcia's corner rattling the woodwork.
The comeback began in earnest in the 75th minute when Luis Garcia displayed his aerial prowess, meeting Ryan Giggs' pinpoint cross with a well-directed header to make it 2:3.
The equalizer arrived in dramatic fashion as full-time approached. Djibril Cisse's initial header from Keisuke Honda's cross was brilliantly saved, but Luis Garcia was quickest to react, tucking away the rebound to complete his brace and force penalties.
In the ensuing shootout, both sides demonstrated remarkable composure, converting their first five spot-kicks with unerring accuracy. The decisive moment came in the sixth round when Keisuke Honda confidently dispatched his penalty, before David James emerged as the hero, diving to his right to deny Lo Kwan Yee's effort. The World Legends emerged victorious 6:5 on penalties, securing the prestigious Chinese New Year Cup with a final aggregate score of 9:8.