Chinese national women's soccer team drew 0-0 with the United States in an Olympic warm-up in Qinhuangdao on Wednesday.
The two sides sent on all regular starters in the final tune-up for the Olympics, but the match featured few highlights.
The US had the best chance in the 49th minute when a shot beat Chinese goalie Han Wenxia but was denied by the crossbar after a counter-attack.
Chinese striker Ma Xiaoxu had a powerful shot from the edge of the box in the 20th minute after playing a one-two with fellow striker Xu Yuan, but the ball was pushed away by the US goalkeeper.
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sina.com
Chinese national team member Xu Yuan in an Olympic warm-up with US in Qinhuangdao on Wednesday. |
Coach Shang Rihua was satisfied with his team's performance in the training match.
"We did very well on defense today," Shang said. "The opponents only got few chances for scoring."
"China is playing in a different style," said the US head coach Pia Sundhage, who was China's assistant coach in last year's World Cup. "But I don't think it is much stronger than last year."
Star striker Ma Xiaoxu, playing as a starter, was carried off for injury in the 30th minute. It is unknown whether her injury is serious.
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sina.com
Star striker Ma Xiaoxu, playing as a starter, was injured in an Olympic warm-up with US in Qinhuangdao on Wednesday. |
China is in Group E with Sweden, Canada and Argentina of the Olympic soccer tournament while the US is in Group G with Norway, Japan and New Zealand.
(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2008)
