China Getting Better Through Matches

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, June 09, 2002

China Getting Better Through Matches

World Cup debutants China showed they could play beautiful game against the best team in soccer history, though they were crushed 4-0 by Brazil Saturdaynight.

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World Cup debutants China showed they could play beautiful game against the best team in soccer history, though they were crushed 4-0 by Brazil Saturdaynight.

Four Rs -- Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo -- taught China an bitter lesson and virtually shut China out of the round of 16.

China, however, were the first having the better of the game asthey seemed to play an attacking game against the four-time champions at the beginning.

Midfielder Qi Hong, who did not start in China's opener againstCosta Rica, pierced Brazilian defense with direct passes as Brazilthought they were facing a defensive Chinese team.

"We knew China would start the match by putting us under pressure," said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. "We decided to wait until after the first 10-15 minutes and then we started to play our game and pass the ball.

"We were technically superior to China so we played our usual game and things went well. We know we are a better team because we are more experienced than China."

Brazil scored four goals in 40 minutes to put the match beyond doubt.

The rest of the match was a picture of a lively amateur challenging a veteran professional. China produced a series of scoring chances, and even got their first World Cup finals goal inthe second half.

Ma Mingyu found himself clear in the box in the 60th minute buthe failed to control the ball. A minute later, Zhao Junzhe had the best opportunity when his crisp shot hit the outside of the post.

Shao Jiayi also had a wonderful chance as his 20-meter blast went narrowly wide of goal in the 69th minute.

"I am very happy with the way they played," China coach Bora Milutinovic said after the group C clash.

"The way how they played against the Brazilian team I think is very good. I am very happy with the way the personality of my players showed in the game.

"You're never happy when you lose, but the way we played against the Brazilian team - I'm really happy for our players, for their discipline, for the way they played tactically.

"We're finished in the World Cup but if we repeat the way we played against Brazil, we have a chance against the Turkish team."

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