Hong Kong's football fans were treated to a ten-goal thriller on Tuesday as a World Legends eleven beat a team of local favourities seven-three in the Lunar New Year Cup at the Hong Kong Stadium.

Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo scored the pick of the goals with a delightful, perfectly placed curling effort. Italian playmaker Francesco Totti and Spanish marksman David Villa were also among the scorers.

Leung Chun-pong, Lee Hong-lim and Christian Annan got on the scoresheet for the Hong Kong side.

The fixture was making its comeback after a four-year hiatus following the Covid pandemic.

Many fans said they were excited they managed to get autographs from the retired footballers, including Alessandro Del Piero from Italy, Frenchman Robert Pires and Tiago Mendes from Portugal, as well as Chan.

One fan said she was happy to get Tiago's autograph, while another, Anthony, said he was very excited to see his idol play in person.

"Wesley Sneijder is my idol, so I'm very excited to see him playing in Hong Kong. Especially after [their] retirement, there are very few chances we can see them play again," he told RTHK, referring to the former Ajax, Inter Milan and Real Madrid playmaker from the Netherlands.

He added the Lunar New Year Cup – which also featured dragon dancing and live performances this year – was missed during its absence.

"Just like when we were in our childhood, we will go with our parents once a year to see the Lunar New Year football game."

Another fan told RTHK it was the first time he watched the game in person, and said he was excited to see so many world-class stars playing in Hong Kong.
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Last updated: 2024-02-13 HKT 21:02