OLYMPICS / Team China

Striker Ma may miss Olympics for injury


Updated: 2008-07-30 23:09

 

QINHUANGDAO - Chinese star striker Ma Xiaoxu may miss the Olympics as she injured left knee in an soccer warm-up against the United States here on Wednesday, local media reported.


Chinese star striker Ma Xiaoxu reacts after she was injured in an soccer warm-up against the United States in Qinhuangdao, North China's Hebei Province, July 30, 2008. [sina.com]

However, the team's press officer could not be reached immediately for comments.

Ma Xiaoxu, playing as a starter in this game, was injured in the 30th minute and then was taken to hospital.

The young talent, who injured her right knee in a friendly match against New Zealand last year, returned to the national team just one month ago and has been included in the Olympic squad by coach Shang Rihua.

Ma played for 15 minutes in China's warm-up game against Nigeria on July 27, and also had ten-minute display in the tune-up against New Zealand on July 20.

The 20-year-old won both of Golden Ball and Golden Shoe at FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup in 2006 and was the AFC Women's Player of the Year in 2006.

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