China Beats US 2-0 at Four Nations Women Soccer Tourmament

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, January 27, 2003

China Beats US 2-0 at Four Nations Women Soccer Tourmament

Heather O'Reilly tried to spark a late rally but failed to crack China's defence as the United States lost 0-2 Sunday in the Four Nations Women's Soccer Tournament.

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China Beats US 2-0 at Four Nations Women Soccer Tourmament

Heather O'Reilly tried to spark a late rally but failed to crack China's defence as the United States lost 0-2 Sunday in the Four Nations Women's Soccer Tournament.

Germany tied Olympic champion Norway 2-2 in the tournament, a prelude to the women's soccer World Cup later this year.

US coach April Heinrichs experimented with the order, starting several players off the bench and saving top scorers until the second half.

China scored the game's only goals as it dominated the first half. The US, who defeated China to win the 1999 World Cup, struggled to contain their opponents' passing game, and with icy rain that fell on the stadium in Wuhan.

In the 18th minute, Fan Yunjie headed in a corner kick just beyond the reach of US goalie Lakeysia Beene. Sun Wen followed 18 minutes later with a missile from midfield into the goal's upper right corner.

In the second half, Heinrichs put in O'Reilly and then Tiffeny Milbrett as the US women took the upper hand. But China's defence held firm despite repeated strikes by the US side .

In the day's other game, Germany managed a tie in the face of a clearly stronger Norwegian team.

The Norwegians took the lead when Dagny Mellgren scored in the 25th minute, a header from 20 metres out off a midfield pass by Hege Riise. Mellgren also scored in Thursday's 3-1 loss to the United States.

Germany evened the game at 1-1 eight minutes later when Martina Muller headed in a cross shot from near the corner by Kerstin Garefrekes.

In the second half, Norway's Anita Rapp tapped the ball over German goalie Silke Rottenberg and into an empty net to put her team back in the lead.

But Rottenberg kept it close with a series of close saves. Then, with only 3 minutes to play, Norwegian defender Ingvild Stensland was whistled for knocking down Garefrekes in front of the goal.

Linda Bresonik blasted in the penalty kick to make it 2-2.

The tournament features the world's top four teams. On Wednesday, the final day, the United States plays Germany and Norway faces China.

The World Cup will be held in China in September.

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