29.10.12

Far Eastern Games

Japan 1927

The Far Eastern Games were a multi sport event run under the supervision of the IOC. They were conducted between 1913 and 1934.  The ten football tournaments were dominated by China and also featured plenty of controversy.

China wins-9 runners up-1
Phillipines wins-1 runners up-6 third-2
Japan runners up-2 third-5
Dutch East Indies runners up-1 

The first Football competition, in 1913 (Manila), was contested by Philippines and China. The records are vague over what actually took place. The RSSSF lists two matches, (China 1-0, Philippines 2-1) whereas other sources list a single match and credit Philippines with either a 2-1 or 3-1 victory. China were represented by club side South China A.A., and Philippines by Bohemians. This was a source of controversy as the team consisted of British, Spanish and American players.

In 1915 (Shanghai) South China A.A. again represented China (having won a tournament for the right to do so). They drew 0-0 with Philippines in a game that saw both sides have a player dismissed and won the second game 1-0.

There was mayhem at the 1917 tournament (Tokyo). 
Japan (represented by  Tokyo Higher Normal School) lost their first game 15-2 to Philippines.  When in the next match China scored a penalty to take a 4-0 lead the Philippines goal keeper responded by punching the goal scorer. A brawl ensued and Philippines withdrew from the tournament.

Japan didn't enter the football tournament of 1919 (Manila)- China prevailed in a three game series against Philippines

1921 (Shanghai) Japan returned but South China A.A made it 4 wins a row.
1923 (Osaka) and 1925 (Manila) saw the Hong Kong based club extend their winning streak with little drama.


Controversy returned in 1927 (Shanghai). China beat Japan 5-1 in the opener and then Japan secured their first win, beating the Philippines 2-1. Then all hell broke loose in the final match of the round- robin. China were awarded an early penalty and the Philippines team walked off the pitch in protest. Persuaded to return after some ten minutes they then had a player dismissed. China's second goal led to fighting on the pitch. Philippines forfeited the match at half-time.
 1930- China
1930-Japan
 1930-Philippines

Philippines star was waning, and Japan benefited from both this and their own improvement.
1930 (Tokyo) Both Japan (7-2) and China (5-0) made light work of Philippines, but when the decisive match was tied at 3-3 Japan refused extra time, choosing instead to forfeit.

1934 (Manila)- the opening game , in which China beat the hosts 2-0, was a very spirited affair. China, apparently reduced to 7 men by injuries and the Philippines to 9 suggests it was a very physical encounter (one newspaper report described the pitch as a battlefield) and both Japan and the Dutch East Indies lodged complaints with the tournament organizers after watching this fixture. The following day Dutch East Indies made their international debut in style, beating Japan 7-1.
China were the eventual winners, undefeated in their 3 matches.