Liaoning Edges Shaanxi 1-0 Thanks to Xu's Free-kick

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, March 23, 2003

Liaoning Edges Shaanxi 1-0 Thanks to Xu's Free-kick

Midfielder Xu Liang's free-kick handed Liaoning a 1-0 victory over the visiting Shaanxi in the Chinese first division soccer league Saturday in Beijing.

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Midfielder Xu Liang's free-kick handed Liaoning a 1-0 victory over the visiting Shaanxi in the Chinese first division soccer league Saturday in Beijing.

Shaanxi had clear chances in the first half to lead the score, especially in the 20th minute when the striker Rudinei Amancio's solo drive ended with a penalty shot. But the Brazilian veteran failed to convert it.

In the 65th minute, the 21-year-old Xu contributed a splendid free-kick to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

The midfielder Huang Lei had the best chance to level the scoreas his shot hit the post on 83 minutes.

The 1-0 victory lightened Liaoning's coach Dimitar Penev's heart.

"Fortunately, we win it. I have to admit that all of us were a little bit nervous during the match, " said the Bulgarian, who ledhis country to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history in 1994.

"After Shaanxi failed to convert the penalty shot, I know we will win it."

"I have just come to Liaoning for one month and we need more time to cooperate. I am sure we will play better in the coming rounds, " added Penev.

Liaoning lost their opener 2-0 to Beijing on March 15, and the club, which had reportedly several million US dollars in debt, wasforced to sell several star players in the past year, including LiTie, who is playing for the English premier Everton.

In the other match played on Saturday, Qingdao had taken the lead just on two minutes thanks to their Brazilian striker Andre Luiz Alves Santos's curling free-kick, but Bayi's midfielder HuangYong pounced from close range to get the equaliser 14 minutes later. Both sides failed to grasp chances to change the 1-all result.

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