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China tie Germany at Four Nations

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-01-28 16:17

GUANGZHOU -- Chinese goalkeeper Han Wenxia pulled out some magic performances to help China tie world powerhouse Germany 0-0 at the Four Nations women's international soccer tournament here on Sunday.

Right back Weng Xinzhi made two crucial clearances from the goal-line to grind out the draw.

The previous 2-0 victory over England seemed to have boosted the morale of China. The hosts pressured the world No. 2 ranked side hard with quick passes up the front at the first 10 minutes and imposed some troubles.

But the left part of the first half was under the Germany's reign.

With a change of six players from the 0-0 draw against the United States in their opener, Germany contained China in the midfield and made full use of the two flanks.

China might feel lucky to hold the 0-0 score before the interval thanks to an in-form keeper Han Wenxia, who showed several fantastic saves.

Germany missed a good chance six minutes into the second half when Fatmire Bajramaj wasted midfielder Conny Pohlers pinpoint low cross from the right.

Han Wenxia denied Pohlers another goal-bound drive in the 61st minute when she blocked the close shot inside the box with her legs.

China strengthened the counter-attack and nearly broke the deadlock on 67th minute when forward Liu Sa got a fine lob pass to face outing Stephanie Ullrich, only to find her shot parried out.