The third match of Good Luck Beijing Adidas International Women's Football Tournament 2007 has concluded at the Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium with host China facing Italy. Xie Yalong, president of the China Football Association, came to Qinhuangdao to cheer on Team China which handled the Italians for a 3-1 victory - the first ever for China over Italy.
During the 1st Half ...
China displayed their wing play tactics, which threatened Italy's penalty. Italy used a traditional counterattack strategy. Both of the teams performed swift and technically in the game. At the 15 minute mark Chinese forward Zhang Ouying got a corner lick but shot wide. Later China and Italy tried to control the midfield. At the 29 mark,' China made two shots at goal but both hit the woodwork. At the 30 minute mark, Chinese forward Han Duan got a pass from Zhang Ouying and blasted one in for a goal. China would light up the scoreboard again, this time near the 40 minute mark with Han Duan taking another pass and made a breakthrough at midfield for a solo score - her second of the match. As the Chinese players lit up the scoreboard, the spectators almost raised the roof as China kept the 2-0 lead into halftime.
During the 2nd Half ...
Italy turned to their counterattacking. The game became fiercer when an Italy player kicked China's Zhang Tong in the face for a yellow card. Zhang Ouying also got a yellow card by disputing a call with the referee. Since China expended all of its effort in the first half, the match took a decidedly defensive mood. Italy organized more attacks but at the 20 minute mark, China's Zhang Ouying took a pass from Han Duan and powered in a goal. The Italians did not give up as forward Gabbiadini Melania made the best use of the mistake of China's defense and changed the board to 3-1.
China will now face Mexico for first place, as Italy and Thailand will fight for third.
(BOCOG, July 9 2007)