Home>News Center>Sports
         
 

Shandong wins National Games soccer title
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-10-22 09:06

Rising star Zhou Haibin's goal gifted Shandong a 1-0 win over Shanghai and the men's soccer title at the 10th National Games in Nanjing.

Playmaker Zhou scored the winning goal in the 71st minute. The shot, just from outside the penalty box, hit a leg of a Shanghai defender and flew into the right corner of the goal. The left-moving goalie Qiu Shengjiong swiftly dived to the right side but failed to touch the ball.

Both teams played all out in the match which was like a battlefield. Continuous fierce fighting took place between players from the two sides as each team got several yellow cards and quarrels and injures were frequent.

Thanks to solid defense and goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong who held back several finely-angled shots, Shanghai held Shandong a 0-0 draw in the first half.

Despite rainy and chilly weather, the final attracted far more viewers than any previous soccer match at the 10th National Games.

Supporters coming from respective home province of the two teams loudly chanted slogans in favor of their own team.

Shanghai fielded two substitute forwards in the second half to strengthen the offensive but the changes didn't bear fruits.

Shanghai head coach Doko Kokovic said after the match that Shandong presented good performance in the match and deserved the win.

"Shandong has good players and good cooperation. They presented excellent performance and had good reasons to win," said Kokovic.

Shandong coach Yin Tiesheng said the patience and indomitable spirit of his players helped his team claim the title.

"The rain had negative influence on our players but they played actively all along and showed calmness. They brought into play their skills and ability," said Yin.

The Shandong coach also praised the scorer Zhou Haibin, saying he played a core role in his team.

"He has experiences in high-level matches and has a model role for other players," he added.



Liu Xiang wins 110m hurdle at National Games
Former fiancee of Ronaldo
The tattoos of stars
 
  Today's Top News     Top Sports News
 

Military opens material procurement website

 

   
 

New law to strengthen energy security

 

   
 

A true story about Taishi village incident

 

   
 

Women's hearts offer clues to markets

 

   
 

Measures to contain increase in foreign debt

 

   
 

Paper seeks wider heritage protection

 

   
  Shandong wins National Games soccer title
   
  Veteran athlete Sun Yingjie fails doping test
   
  Olympic champ Liu Xiang complains of media frenzy
   
  NBA mulls league-wide physicals standard
   
  'Nervous' Liu Xiang coasts to easy victory
   
  Gold Medallist Xing fouls up winning chance
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
Advertisement