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Han Peng (L) of China fights for the ball against New Zealand player Steven Old during the Beijing Olympic Games men's football Group C first round match at Shenyang Olympic Stadium in Olympic co-host city Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 7, 2008. [Ren Yong/Xinhua]
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China started to reinforce offensiveness and overwhelmed the Kiwis in their half. In the 67th minute, forward Jiang Ning got perfect sight of goal. Charlton Athletic playmaker Zheng Zhi crossed the ball from the left, but the chance was denied by New Zealand captain and defender Ryan Nelsen.
New Zealand had chance to score a last minute winner but the ball was skewed wide.
New Zealand's "Oly-Whites" have never qualified for the men's Olympic tournament before but they became the confident qualifier of Oceania with Australia now competing in the Asian confederation.
China will take on Belgium and the Kiwis will meet medal favorite Brazil in their next matches.
(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)