Edmonton Journal

Late goal lifts China over Netherland­s

- Alicja Siekierska

For most of the FIFA Women’s World Cup match Thursday between China and the Netherland­s, it looked as if the Chinese squad would be kept scoreless.

From opening kick, China came out attacking, putting pressure on the Dutch defenders and hoofing shot after shot at their opponents’ net.

The Chinese had 27 shot attempts in total, 10 of which were on target, but they couldn’t seem to slip the ball past the goalkeeper, Sari van Veenendaal.

With every minute that passed, the loud contingent of Chinese fans at the north end of Commonweal­th Stadium grew more anxious. Even China’s coach Hao Wei was worried Netherland­s would escape this game with a point thanks to a 0-0 draw.

“We were concerned, of course,” he said after his team’s dominant performanc­e.

“But in the end, our whole team worked together and stuck to the very last minute. That’s what matters the most.”

It was in stoppage time that the ball was lobbed past the Dutch defenders and midfielder Lisi Wang put it into the back of the Netherland­s net, giving the Chinese a crucial goal and an even more important three points.

China and the Netherland­s now both have three points in two games of Group A play.

“Our team players lost in the first match (against Canada) and they were under a lot of pressure,” Wei said. “However in this match, they were so confident. They showcased their true capabiliti­es. I am proud of them.”

In the opening game of the tournament, China was content to sit back and let their Team Canada opponents come to them, appearing to play for the draw instead of trying to win.

It was a completely different China that took the field at Commonweal­th Stadium Thursday.

The Netherland­s, a team known for its possession­focused style of play, failed to control the ball throughout the match, with China maintainin­g 60 per cent possession.

China’s defence, which caused the Canadians troubles in the opening game, allowed the Netherland­s few opportunit­ies to attack. There were glimpses of the Dutch offensive prowess toward the end of the match, but the Oranje couldn’t beat Fei Wang.

Netherland­s coach Roger Reijners said his entire squad is disappoint­ed with a game where they failed to assert control.

“If you give them the space, your opponent is much better,” said Reijners.

“In the second half, there was a phase where we were in charge of the ball. But as soon as that room comes, then some things go wrong.”

Dutch captain Mandy Van Den Berg said the squad is especially frustrated they gave up a goal so late in the game.

“We knew they had no points and had to do something, so we were ready for that,” Van Den Berg said. “But we didn’t control the game for one minute. It was really tough.

“As long as it’s 0-0, we’re good. We have to keep that point. That was the most disappoint­ing thing about tonight.”

The Netherland­s will play Canadain Montreal on June 15. China will face New Zealand in Winnipeg the same day.

 ?? ED KAISER/EDMONTON JOURNAL ?? Netherland­s’ Danielle van de Donk gets tripped up by China’s Wu Haiyan Thursday at Commonweal­th Stadium.
ED KAISER/EDMONTON JOURNAL Netherland­s’ Danielle van de Donk gets tripped up by China’s Wu Haiyan Thursday at Commonweal­th Stadium.

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