China back on track to repeat 1999 glory

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, September 29, 2003

China back on track to repeat 1999 glory

China advanced to the quarter-finals of the fourth Women's World Cup soccer tournament by leading Group D after defeating a lackluster Russia 1-0 at Portland's PGE Park on Sunday.

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China advanced to the quarter-finals of the fourth Women's World Cup soccer tournament by leading Group D after defeating a lackluster Russia 1-0 at Portland's PGE Park on Sunday.

Coach Ma Liangxing's side became the luckiest team at the tournament, advancing to the final eight automatically before the kickoff since Ghana had produced an upset 2-1 victory over Australia.

The Steel Roses should have got at least one point to qualify should Ghana, who had already booked their flight home with two defeats from as many games, lose to Australia.

After the victory, China will take on Group C second placer Canada while Russia meet Germany in the knockout stage.

With pressure off their shoulders, China played an attacking game to search for a win, which could help them top Group D and avoid European champions Norway in the quarter-finals.

Sun Wen, Golden Ball winner at the last World Cup, showed some magic touches, and defender-turned striker Bai Jie, who scored the equalizer in the last game against Australia, was also active up front.

China's fast attacking play apparently scared the Russians, who posed five players at the back in an attempt to contain their striking forces.

But the Russian efforts proved vain and found their Asian rivals in front after only 16 minutes. Sun's lobbing pass found anon-rushing Bai on the right, who dribbled past keeper Alla Volkovato put the ball at the back of the net, her second goal in three matches.

Han Wenxia, in the place of Zhao Yan between the posts, had a rare off day because the Russians were restricted in their own half.

China should have doubled their lead in the 21st minute, when they earned a penalty kick after Sun was brought down in the box. But midfielder Liu Ying's effort unbelievably went wide.

The Chinese women took complete control and the Russians played without organization that helped them win the first two matches against Australia and Ghana.

It seemed just a matter of time for China to score their secondgoal. Sun's header before the goal was just inches wide of the post and Zhao Lihong's long shot from 20 meters nearly arrowed into Russia's goal.

The Russians succeeded in bringing China's siege to a halt soon after the interval, but were still unable to create any clear-cut chances.

With the Russians pushing forward and looking for an equalizer, their defense was further exposed and gave the Chinese more chances.

But the Chinese women's finishing ability was really worrisome, several golden chances having been wasted.

Bai raced down from the left in the 72nd minute, directing the ball into Pu Wei's path but the midfielder failed to hit the target.

Three minutes later Pu blasted the ball over the crossbar as it looked a sure goal.

They also created numerous freekicks and corners but eventually failed to get a second goal. (xinhua)

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