In a tense semi-final, China triumphed over the United States at
the semifinal of the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Championship on
Thursday, advancing to an all-Asian final with the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
This game, between the two tournament heavyweights, was eagerly
anticipated and the US team had the better of the first half, the
rare Chinese threats coming on the counter-attack. The second half
continued in much the same way, and the American team, baying for
blood, battered Zhang Yanru's goal. However, the Chinese
goalkeeper's heroic efforts secured the clean-sheet and the best
player of the match award for Zhang.
As the match headed for penalties after the Chinese team
doggedly clung on through extra-time, the atmosphere grew tenser.
Ultimately, it was Zhang Yanru who saved the day again by tipping
Lauren Cheney's penalty over the bar to give the 5-4 victory to
China.
In the other semifinal, the DPRK edged out Brazil 1-0 and will
face China in the championship's final on Sunday in the Russian
capital.
(Xinhua News Agency September 1, 2006)
