Hosts China were downed by a formidable United States side 2-0
with a shining "talisman" Kristine Lilly at the last game and had
to settle for the second place of the Four Nation Women's Soccer
Tournament 2006 in Guangzhou on Sunday.
The US clinched the title with seven points and harvested a
progressing young squad inspired by skipper Lilly.
Lilly attracted most of the limelight with her inspiration and
edge, converting a penalty unerringly on 11 minutes and then gave
China further blow five minutes before the interval when she broke
the rivals' offside trap to net home a heavy strike in the box.
The US captain went close seven minutes into the second half
with a long-range shot over the bar. With an obvious craving for a
hat trick in her 302nd game for the national team, Lilly continued
her efforts as the half wore on and created several opportunities,
but missed all of them.
The Americans dominated the midfield with quick passes and
threaten the hosts' defense with fast flank forays. Aly Wagner
rattled the post in the 59th minute with a diagonal drive.
China's best chance came from midfielder Bi Yan's powerful
25-meter left foot shot in the first half, which hit the
crossbar.
(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2006)
