Women's Soccer: China beat Japan 1-0
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-04-27 09:32

China beat Japan 1-0 through a Li Jie penalty kick to win the Asian Olympic women's soccer tournament Monday.

The Steel Roses, who lost their Asian title to DPR Korea twice in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea and last year's Asian Championships in Bangkok, showed determination to restore their reputation.

They should have gone ahead in the 7th minute as striker Teng Wei headed a Bi Yan cross wide from close range.

The Japanese women, who shocked Asian champions DPR Korea 3-0 in the semifinals on Sunday, was constantly tested on the left with China's Ren Liping creating several good chances with her pace and skill.

Teng missed a sitter on 35 minutes as she rounded the Japanese defenders to have the goalkeeper to beat, but her shot was well parried by the goalie.

Chinese keeper Xiao Zhen played an important role between the posts, making several key saves to keep the scoreline 0-0 before the interval.

China stepped up offensive after the break. With two minutes back to action, Teng wasted another golden chance. Midfielder Bi Yan's perfect through ball found the Chinese young striker but hershot from close range was again saved by a magic Japanese keeper.

Teng made up for her misses by earning China a penalty in the 53rd minute, when she was felled by a Japanese defender in the box.Center back Li Jie stepped in and made no mistake on the spot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The Chinese women took command after that and should have increased the lead in the 76th minute but Bi Yan's shot hit the crossbar and bounced into safety.

China, who beat South Korea in Sunday's semis, and Japan will represent Asia to take part in the Athens Olympic Games.

DPR Korea crushed South Korea 5-1 to win the third place in an earlier game.

Lineup of China:

Goalkeeper: Xiao Zhen

Defenders: Jin Xiaomei, Li Jie, Fan Yunjie, Ren Liping

Midfield: Bi Yan, Pu Wei, Zhang Ying

Strikers: Teng Wei, Han Duan, Zhang Ouying.

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