Norway hopes end with defeat
Friday, January 20, 2006
Article summary
Norway may have been beaten by hosts China, but France retain hope of winning the Four Nations Cup after a goalless draw with the United States.
Article body
Scoreless draw
Having drawn 1-1 with China in their opener two days ago, Elisabeth Loisel's side took on an American team fresh from defeating Norway 3-1. Yet despite a good start from the Olympic champions, with Aly Wagner and Heather O'Reilly going close, France always looked comfortable, ending a run of seven straight defeats by the US stretching back more than a decade.
High standard
Loisel said: "The standard of the match was high. The two teams' tactics cancelled each other out. I am very happy with my players because it is by playing these games that they learn and progress, especially in physical terms."
Norway falter
Les Bleues now face Norway on Sunday in their final game, which the Norwegians - UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ finalists - must win to avoid finishing bottom of the table after their loss to defending Four Nations champions China. Norway began brightly, but fell behind just before the break through Han Duan, and a long-range Bi Yan effort on 53 minutes doubled China's lead.
Hopes dashed
Marie Knutsen pulled one back on the hour but Ma Xiao Xu swiftly restored the two-goal advantage. China, who stage the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, meet the US on Sunday with both sides knowing victory would give them first place. A draw would favour the hosts unless France comfortably beat Norway.
