Hong Kong national football team results (1960s)

The Hong Kong national football team experienced a period of relative success and activity during the 1960s. While accurate and comprehensive data from the era is sometimes difficult to ascertain and consolidate, several key aspects of their performance can be identified.

Key Tournaments and Competitions:

• Asian Cup: Hong Kong participated in several Asian Cup qualifying campaigns during the decade. Precise details on all qualifying results can be challenging to locate, but participation and efforts to qualify were consistent. In 1964, Hong Kong hosted and participated in the Asian Cup, finishing in the fourth position. This represents one of the team's most significant achievements.
• Merdeka Tournament: The Merdeka Tournament in Malaysia was a prominent international invitational tournament, and Hong Kong was a regular participant throughout the 1960s. The team frequently achieved respectable results, including several appearances in the later stages of the competition. More specific details on individual match results and final standings within the tournament vary depending on the year.
• Other International Friendlies: Hong Kong played a number of international friendlies against other Asian nations. Details on these matches are often scattered but the games provided important experience and opportunities for development.
• World Cup Qualifying: Hong Kong entered qualifying campaigns for the FIFA World Cup during the 1960s. Full details of the results are documented by FIFA, but the team did not qualify for the final tournament.

General Performance Characteristics:

The team generally featured a mix of locally based players and, at times, players with mixed ancestry who were eligible to represent Hong Kong. The standard of play within the Hong Kong First Division was a significant factor in the national team's strength. The 1960s represented a period where football was gaining popularity and development in Asia, and Hong Kong was a visible participant in this regional development. Obtaining definitive and complete records for all matches from this era can be challenging due to variations in record-keeping practices and the availability of primary sources.