China beats Finland 2-1 in international friendly
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-02-04 10:13

Finland's Antti Sumiala (L) and China's Li Weifeng chase a loose ball during their friendly match in Guangzhou, southern China, February 3, 2004. [Reuters]

Striking duo Zhang Yuning and Hao Haidong each scored a goal to help China beat Finland 2-1 in a friendly international match Tuesday in Guangzhou.

The Chinese team broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Zhang side-footed a pass into the net. Six minutes after the interval, Finland levelled the score on a counter-attack.

But the home side restored its lead three minutes later. Hao rose high in the penalty box, heading a right-wing cross toward the goal, which was blocked by the Finland goalkeeper. The agile striker then went on to poke the ball into the net.

The two teams will play another game on Saturday.