2004 AFC Asian Cup Final


The 2004 AFC Asian Cup Final was an association football match that took place on 7 August 2004 at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing, People's Republic of China, to determine the winner of the 2004 AFC Asian Cup.

Overview

defeated China PR 3–1. This was third time that Japan won the AFC Asian Cup tournament.
The tournament's closing ceremony was held immediately prior to kickoff.
Japanese player Koji Nakata's handball goal at 68th minute was not picked up by the referee, which led to great dissatisfaction of Chinese fans.

Racism and unsportsmanlike conduct by the Chinese

Chinese fans jeered during Japan's national anthem and also during Japanese possession of the ball. In addition, some Chinese fans, quoting a decades-old patriotic song, called for the decapitation of Japanese people.
Prior to the finals, Chinese reporters allegedly turned a pre-game news conference with the Japanese team coach into a political grilling, which led to criticisms by Japanese news media, and a call by senior Japanese government officials, including then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, for Chinese fans to improve their demeanor.
Following the match, rioting by Chinese fans erupted near the north gate of Beijing's Workers Stadium and Japanese fans were transported to safety by bus. In response, Chinese officials accused Japanese media of hyping.

Route to the final

Match

Details