Sun Wen lifts China over Ghana

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, September 23, 2003

Sun Wen lifts China over Ghana

China is off to a winning start in the Women's World Cup, four years after being beaten in the finals by the United States.

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China is off to a winning start in the Women's World Cup, four years after being beaten in the finals by the United States.

Sun Wen, the 1999 World Cup Most Valuable Player, scored on a header in the 29th minute and China beat Ghana 1-0 Sunday night. Although the score was close, the Chinese dominated the match.

China coach Ma Liangxiang noted the scoring chances his team had, adding: "On the other hand, Ghana had a very good team defence."

He and Sun each said that China needs to improve.

"We were not in as good a shape for today's game," Sun said through an interpreter. "The first game is always the hardest. We can't say this was the real performance of the team.

"We can't make it if we play like we played tonight. It takes time to get better."

Ma said he expects the team to play better against Australia later this week.

"Aggressive attacking is one of the points I deliver to my players. I can say the game on Thursday will be more entertaining and exciting," the coach said through an interpreter. "I expect the team will be better prepared, psychologically prepared."

The Chinese were constantly on the attack in their match, outshooting Ghana 15-3 and holding a 5-1 edge in shots on goal. Ghana goalkeeper Memunatu Sulemana made several fine saves to hold the score down.

The skilled Chinese, one of the world's top teams for the past decade, controlled the game with superior passing and tactics. Goalkeeper Zhao Yan got the shutout, although China's defence kept Ghana from mounting many serious threats.

The 30-year-old Sun, who has said she is retiring after the World Cup, was a constant presence with her dribbling and pinpoint passes helping keep China on the attack.

Sun also blocked a free kick by Alberta Sackey from just outside the box in the 57th minute, one of Ghana's few scoring opportunities. The ball struck Sun in the face, and she fell to the turf and lay there motionless for a moment before springing up and chasing the play downfield.

Her goal finished a well-executed sequence. Bai Jie took a throw-in on the left side just outside the box, whirled quickly toward the goal line and sent a high pass toward the far post.

As Sulemana jumped, the ball sailed just beyond her reach and Sun - in perfect position - leaped and knocked the ball into the goal.

It was her 106th career goal and 11th in World Cup play.

Sun had a tournament-leading seven goals in the 1999 World Cup, but the Chinese were left looking for their first world title when the Americans defeated them 5-4 on penalty kicks in the championship game at the nearby Rose Bowl.

Russia, which got an 89th-minute game-winner from Elena Fomina, are now at the top of Group D ahead of China after beating Australia 2-1 in an earlier match.

Hosts win

The United States opened defense of their World Cup title by beating European power Sweden 3-1 while Katia scored two goals to help Brazil down South Korea 3-0.

The Americans trail Group A leader DPR Korea on goal difference while Brazil leads Group B over former champion Norway, also on goal difference.

United States star Mia Hamm set up three goals and Kristine Lilly, who has played in more internationals than anyone, scored the first. Cindy Parlow got the second.

Joy Fawcett - playing in her fourth World Cup - was a rock on defense after 1999 World Cup heroine Brandi Chastain broke her right foot and left at halftime. Chastain will miss the rest of the first round, at least.

Newcomers Shannon Boxx, who scored on a header off Hamm's corner kick, and Abby Wambach made a huge impact with their physical play.

"Our presence in this win was incredible today," Hamm said. "Our defense was extremely well-organized, and Bri (Scurry) had some good saves and Kristine led us all over the field. I hit some balls well, but those guys finished them." (China Daily)

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