China's world cup dream dashed after 1-0 loss

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, October 04, 2003

China's world cup dream dashed after 1-0 loss

China's World Cup trip was put to a heartbreaking end after they were condemned to a 1-0 surprise defeat by Canada in the quarter-finals at Portland' s PGE Park on Thursday.

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China's World Cup trip was put to a heartbreaking end after they were condemned to a 1-0 surprise defeat by Canada in the quarter-finals at Portland' s PGE Park on Thursday.

The Chinese women dominated the North Americans but their poor finish ability took its toll, sent home with only three goals fromfour matches.

The Steel Roses, whose beautiful passing game won the hearts of millions of American fans four years ago by finishing runners-up, proved they have already been past their prime.

Ma Liangxing's aging side might not have expected they could repeat the feat achieved four years ago, but they also could not expect to be stopped at such an early stage.

"It is obvious that China can not overcome the deep or concentrated defenses through the past several matches. I will be responsible for this," Ma said.

"I said when I became the China coach in early 2002 that the team has been incomparable with the United States," Ma said. "It has not been a world class team since their defeat in the Sydney Olympic Games."

But China were still one of the most liked teams in the World Cup, and Canada coach Even Pellerud hailed their win as the "greatest" in his coaching career.

"This is a bigger accomplishment for me than winning with Norway," said Pellerud, who coached Norway to the World Cup title in 1995.

Some 20,021 fans gathered in the PGE Park to watch a dynasty fall. From the start, the Chinese women struggled.

China 'keeper Han Wenxia was forced to a full-stretched save in the seventh minute by Canadian striker Christine Latham from closerange. With her shot tipped wide of the post by Han, Canada earned their first corner kick.

The corner proved precious afterwards and captain Charmaine Hooper headed it past a advancing Han into the back of the net.

The Steel Roses should have leveled the score one minute later,but Sun Wen's free kick from 20 meters skimmed the crossbar.

Bai Jie, who scored two goals in the group matches, was mobile on the right and close to scoring in the 14th minute. But her long-shot header went wide of the far post.

Two minutes later, Sun's beautifully-executed right-foot effort in the box was again inches wide of the post.

China, who scored only three goals in their previous three matches, continued to create chances but they just could not find the net.

Midfielder Zhao Lihong raced down from the left flank in the 24th minute but she could only arched her shot over Canadian ' keeper Taryn Swiatek's left-hand corner.

Youngster Bi Yan ran fantastically into the middle of Canada's defense but her long shot was gathered easily by Swiatek.

The Chinese took a 61 percent of possession in the first half, mostly in Canada's half, however, the scoreline remained at 1-0 after 45 minutes. They failed to create a clear cut chance either.

They continued to control the game, but it was more and more like heading for a defeat, although Ma replaced three of his starters with youngsters Zhang Ouying, Han Duan and Ren Liping.

The 30-year-old Sun Wen, Gold Ball and Gold Boot awards winner in the last World Cup, had several shot wide. She was just nearingher commitment that she will retire after the World Cup.

The Canadians began to sit back to defense before the whistle sounded.

Pellerud was full of praise for his players after the match.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game based on the hard, hard work and a lot of running, chasing balls, keeping a good organization. We had a lot of desire to win, and that was the major point, plus several individual performances. All of the players worked extremely hard. "

He also predicted a hard game against Sweden, who advanced to the semifinals by beating Brazil 2-1 on Wednesday.

"They have a tremendous team, and I've said for a long time that Sweden is one of the teams that could win this tournament. They have really impressed coming back from their loss against theUnited States in their first game, and they look stronger and stronger and stronger. "

Despite the defeat, Ma refused to resign.

But Ma, who took over as China coach in early 2002, spoke high of his players' efforts.

"Our players have tried real hard today and they were well prepared for today. They performed well tonight.

"What I said in the dressing room was 'You are still the best players in my heart.' Through over one year's pleasant work together, I understand that they have tried their best to play theWorld Cup."

But Ma said he will not quit despite the defeat.

"A lot of people are not satisfied with my performance in this position. But I will have the encouragement to stay as the head coach. And I am sure I can do better."

He added: "The World Cup experience is precious to me. And I think it is useful and beneficial to coaching the national team inthe future."

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