Ma Yibo inspires China past South Korea
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E-mail Xinhua, July 30, 2012
Chinese women's hockey team got their London 2012 Olympic campaign off to a winning start with a 4-0 victory over Asian rivals South Korea on Sunday.
Much of the first half was characterised by attacking runs from defence into midfield from both teams, but these were dealt with by the respective defences and led to very few genuine attacking opportunities.
It was Beijing 2008 runners-up China who made the breakthrough nine minutes before half time, Ma Yibo scored with a drag flick into the top right corner. Minutes later South Korea created their best opportunity of the first half from a fast breakaway down the left. Kim Darae's reverse stick shot forced a save from goalkeeper Zhang Yimeng.
But China still looked likelier to score. Fu Baorong showed some neat stick skills along the backline but her effort was kept out by South Korea's goalkeeper Moon Young-Hui.
The second half began along similar lines to the first and China made their second breakthrough 16 minutes after the interval. Zhao Yudiao combined with Ma Wei and Fu Baorong before slotting the ball home from close range.
China began to dominate the match and added a decisive third goal three minutes later after South Korea captain Lee Seonok was judged to have fouled in front of goal. The resulting penalty stroke was scored by Li Hongxia.
China's pressure continued to pay off and they were rewarded with a string of penalty corners. They referred one to the video umpire, believing it to be a penalty stroke but it was refused.
Meanwhile, things were made even tougher for South Korea team when Lee Seonok was shown a yellow card for a foul.
With three minutes remaining, China sealed victory when Ma Yibo added her second of the match with a cleanly-struck penalty corner.
"It's a beautiful feeling," said Kim Sang-Ryul, head coach of Chinese team. "It's an incredible victory against South Korea. It wasn't an easy game because the Koreans are very skillful and speedy. But my players did well in this match. They caught up with their opponents and grabbed their chances."
China's next group match will be against Belgium on Tuesday. Belgium are making their first Olympic appearance at London 2012 and are the lowest ranked team in the tournament at world No.16.
