An in-form China squad triumphed over Norway 3-1 in a convincing
way yesterday to climb on top of the standings at the Four Nation
Women's Soccer Tournament in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong
Province.
China now have four points from two games and are level with the
US. But the hosts bettered the US with one more goal for the top
spot. France rank the third with two draws and Norway are the last
with two defeats.
Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen brought on a nearly completely
different starting line-up from the first match against the US.
The Vikings made a high tempo opening, threatening the Chinese
defense with fast long balls and sharp set pieces in the first 10
minutes. Then the hosts began to display their power. A two-pronged
striking force made up of speedy Han Duan and Ma Xiaoxu posed big
problems for the Norwegian side.
Han went close on two occasions with a mid-range drive and a
neat header following midfielder Bai Lili's curving free kick. The
23-year-old forward broke the deadlock one minute before the
interval with an accurate header after another midfielder Bi Yan's
center from the right flank.
Bi doubled the advantage for China 10 minutes into the second
half, firing a stunning left foot heavy drive from 25 meters to
beat a helpless Ingrid Hjelmseth. Midfielder Marie Knutsen pulled
one back for Norway with a low drive in the box in the 62nd
minute.
However, seven minutes later Ma headed home at the near post
following Wang Kun's cross from the right to seal victory.
Han should have found her second goal in the game but was denied
by the referee for offside.
(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2006)
