Shanghai, Feb. 17.
[OF since the day when the A.S.F. trounced Tung Hwa by 8-1 five years ago has Chinese soccer been humbled to compare with yesterday morning's debacle when an inspired Portuguese eleven swamped their rivals by nine goals to one before a capacity crowd of about 15,000 amazed spectators.
It was indeed a glorious day for the Cup-holders, whose superb combination, brilliant forward line and matchless speed outclassed the Chinese in a manner that has not been witnessed in a major Shanghai competition for many a year.
The Portuguese were favoured to win when it'became known that last week's three telling absentees—Vaseo Souza, Louie Oliveira and Bobby Favacho—would be available yesterday, but not even their most ardent supporter would have presumed that the victory would be achieved in s0 magnificent a fashion. The Chines didn't collapse—as the score might Indieate—they were outrun, outplayed and outclassed In every department of the game and the Portuguese seorwill throughout the match.
It was the perfect combination of the Portuguese forwards, combined with the deadly accuracy of Vasco tual attempts at ce-ordination to which local soccer enthusiasts have been treated in the last few seasons.
'The one great falling of the Por: tuguese—weak fnish—was not appar ent yesterday. Souza, Collaco and Goan' all had their shooting boots with them and it required but one of awe! 1 indi a" vee "Hier:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.