A goal on either side of the break from Ma Xiaoxu inspired China to qualify for the semifinals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2006 in Adelaide on Friday.
The win, China’s second after their similar scoreline defeat of Chinese Taipei in the opening match, gave Ma Liangxing’s women six points and a place in the last four alongside Japan from Group A. Vietnam and Chinese Taipei have no points after two matches.
This is the 10th time China have qualified for the semifinals and only once have they failed to reach the final (2001 when they lost to eventual champions North Korea). They have won the title seven times.
The first match under floodlights at the Adelaide Stadium was played in very cold conditions with the mercury going down to five degrees Celsius.
Vietnam succeeded in keeping a clean slate with some dogged defending against the physically superior Chinese but AFC U-19 Championship topscorer Ma managed to breach the wall in the 20th minute after a solo run and a powerful shot. The ball skirted the outstretched hand of diving goalkeeper Le Thi Tuyet Mai who had so far impressed with some well judged saves.
The one-goal cushion goal helped China resume with confidence after the restart and Ma got her head to a long ball from the left from Li Tali on 58 minutes to double the advantage.
Vietnam tried hard to claw back into the match but were beaten back by the well-coordinated moves of the Chinese. The last 15 minutes saw China mount an all-out attack, firmly imposing their superiority on their rivals.
“This match was better than the last one in terms of mental performance,” said China coach Liangxing, referring to the nervous 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei. “My young players are confident after this match and this is very important.”
“Vietnam’s defence was very good so it was very difficult for us to score.”
Speaking about Japan, their next rivals, Liangxing hinted at a humdinger. “I think Japan will be our main opponents in the future. Since their technique is so good and they are well organised. They made many clear opportunities (in their 11-1 win against Chinese Taipei).”
Vietnam coach Tran Ngoc Thai Tuan gave full points to his team. “We played well and managed a good match. We didn’t concede more goals despite our opponents trying so hard.”
China now play Japan (Hindmarsh) while Chinese Taipei go up against Vietnam (Marden Stadium) on July 23.
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Director: Liu Chi