China beat Norway 3-1; top standings
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-01-20 21:41

An in-form China squad triumphed over Norway 3-1 in convincing way to climb on top of the standings at the Four Nation Women's Soccer Tournament 2006 China on Friday in Guangzhou.

China now have four points from two games and are level with the United States, and the hosts bettered the US with one more goal for the top spot. France rank the third with two draws and Norway are the last with two defeats.

"I am happy with the victory. But I've found that Norway changed eight players from the first match against the US. So we should stay cool. And we still have a long way to go," said Chinese coach Ma Liangxing.

"We made several terrible mistakes at the defense. Our players are young and three of them haven't played for Norway before. It's too easy for China to grab the chances," commented Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen.

The Vikings made a high tempo opening, threatening the Chinese defense with fast long balls and sharp set pieces in the first 10 minutes. Then the hosts began to display their power. A two-pronged striking force made up of speedy Han Duan and Ma Xiaoxu posed big problems for the Norwegian side.

Han Duan went close on two occasions with a mid-range drive and a neat header following midfielder Bai Lili's curving free kick. The 23-year-old forward broke the deadlock one minute before the interval with an accurate header after midfielder Bi Yan's center from the right flank.

Bi Yan doubled the advantage for China 10 minutes into the second half, firing a stunning left foot heavy drive from 25 meters to beat a helpless Ingrid Hjelmseth. Midfielder Marie Knutsen pulled one back for Norway with a low drive in the box in the 62nd minute.

However, Ma Xiaoxu headed home at the near post following Wang Kun's cross from the right on 69 minutes to seal victory.

Han Duan should have found her second goal in the game but was denied by the referee for offside.