China beat listless Danmark 6-0 in their final group game of the
Algarve Cup women's football competition on Monday in Portugal.
Han Duan's hat-tirck and her striking partner Guo Yue's brace
sank Denmark who managed no dangerous shot throughout the whole
game.
In the 20th minute, the 22-year-old Han broke clear of Denmark's
shambolic defense to drive teammate Bai Lili's penetrating pass
past motionless goalkeeper Susanne Graversen.
Seven minutes later, Graversen parried Han's shot and the ball
rebounded comfortably to the 20-year-old Guo who's fierce shot gave
hapless Graversen no chance.
Han made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute when she intercepted a
fluffed pass by Denmark and coolly put the ball into the net.
She completed her hat-trick eight minutes later when Guo's deft
pass put her in a solo run, and Graversen could do nothing to stop
the inspired striker.
In the second half, China's attack abated after making five
substitutions. Despite this, Guo and midfielder Zhao Xiaoyan each
scored once.
Han, who suffered slight injury in her right leg, was happy that
China finally scored after drawing the United States 0-0 and losing
to France 1-0.
China's coach Ma Liangxing put on a poker face as he found his
side's game far from satisfying.
"Denmark's defense was badly-organized and they gave us some
chances. They sometimes looked like a group of amateurs, even
though my players still made a lot of mistakes," he said.