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.