U 20 China-2-USA-0-F

[Frank Cunha]

Under-20 Women
USA loses 2:0 to China PR, still wins group at U-20 Women’s World Cup



Eli Reed of the United States (left) and Gu Yasha of China
Photos courtesy of FIFA.com
11/26/2008 - TEMUCO, Chile – China PR capitalized on a pair of defensive mistakes and beat the United States 2:0 on Wednesday in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

The result did help China, which was eliminated, nor harm the United States, which still finished atop Group B with six points just ahead of France on goal difference. Both the USA and France advanced to Sunday’s quarterfinals, where the United States will play England. England drew 1:1 with New Zealand later on Wednesday to secure the runner-up spot in Group A. In three previous tournaments, the United States has never failed to reach the semifinals.

China PR had the majority of possession and went ahead in the 52nd minute when Li Danyang’s corner kick dropped into the penalty area. Rui Zhang pounced on the loose ball amid the confusion and scored her country’s first goal in the competition.

Six minutes later China PR doubled its advantage when Liu Shukun sent a shot from distance that USA goalkeeper Chantel Jones failed to block at the right post.

With the USA’s quarterfinal berth secured, manager Tony DiCicco used five different players from the teams that won its first two games by a combined 6:0.

CONCACAF has chances for two more quarterfinal berths. Mexico lost its first two games but still retains a long-shot chance of advancing from Group D when it plays Korea DPR on Thursday. Canada split its two games and can advance from Group C with a victory over Germany on Thursday.