After conceding two straight defeats, host China finally celebrated their first win in Beijing Olympic handball events, when the women's squad trounced Angola 32-24 in Beijing on Wednesday.
The Chinese team appeared a little tense in front of the enthusiastic local crowds at the start of the match. Center back Wang Shasha's goal gave China the first lead six minute into the game. And China grabbed the following of the game safely in control, finishing the first half 14-12 and keeping on extending the lead after the break.
"We first adapted a more steady defending system at the beginning. But as the game went on, we found the opponent had several mis-directed passes, which we could make good use of," said Chinese coach Kang Jae Won.
"We added more aggression in our defence, intercepted many passes and scored from fast counter-attacks,"added Kang, who is a former S. Korean handballer and won the silver in the 1988 Seoul Games.
Finishing 7th in 2007 World Championship, Angola failed to find their top form in Beijing, receiving three defeats in a row.
"We are experiencing a paining interim, with some seasoned veterans leaving and some rookies replacing them. Moreover, some of our key players suffered from injuries, and it was very difficult for us at the moment,"said Vivaldo Eduardo, coach of Angola.
"This is our first victory in our group play, and it will boost our morale and confidence. We will prepare well for the next game,"said Wang Shasha, who scored six goals for China today.
China will play against Kazakhstan, silver medalist in 2006 Asian Games, in the next match. And they need to snatch another win to enter the final eight.
"Kazakstan is a strong team. Their players are tough and powerful. But we have no other choice, we have to defeat them,"said Kang.
(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2008)