Chinese soccer player Zhao Junzhe (L) competes for the ball
with a German FC Energie Cottbus' player during a friendly soccer
match in Guangzhou, capital of southern China's Guangdong Province
on Thursday, December 20, 2007. [Photo:
sports.sina.com.cn]
The Chinese national men's soccer team conceded 2-0 to Germany's
Energie Cottbus at a warm-up game in Guangzhou on Thursday.
Because most of Vladimir Petrovic Pizon's main lineup couldn't
take part in the game, the Serbian coach aimed at giving the
Chinese team's substitutes a run.
It was the second match of the German team's China tour, who
most recently tied with China's Olympic team 1-1 on Tuesday.
The Bundesliga side took an early command of the match with
forward Dimitar Rangelov's header successfully overcoming Chinese
goalkeeper Zong Lei's mistake in the 9th minute.
Vladimir's team had their best opportunity in the 42nd minute.
However, striker Qubo wasted it when he sent his shot straight into
the keepers legs.
Cottbus claimed its second goal in the 68th minute after
Vladimir made several changes to the lineup.
Chinese midfielder Shao Jiayi, who is playing for Cottbus at
present, took the field in the 75th minute.
As it was the last game of the year for the Chinese national
soccer team, the failure has definitely left fans and players with
a bad taste in their mouth.
China's Olympic team soccer coach Ratomir Dujkovic also appeared
on the scene and criticized the national team's performance after
the game.
(CRI December 21, 2007)
