No wins for European challengers
Thursday, January 23, 2003
Article summary
Germany drew 0-0 with hosts China and Norway were defeated 3-1 by the United States.
Article body
Tough match
Tina Theune-Meyer's German side endured a tough 90 minutes against the Chinese in front of 30,000 spectators in Yiwu, one of the venues which will be used at the FIFA Women's World Cup later this year. China made all the early running without creating any clear opportunities in what was a first half of few chances.
Hit the bar
Germany's first real chance of note was missed by the FFC Heike Rheine player Kerstin Garefrekes in the 66th minute, and three minutes later captain Bettina Wiegmann headed against China's bar. However, neither side could break the deadlock and each had to settle for a point.
Coach content
Theune-Meyer said of the match: "On the whole I am content with the way my team played. It was only in the first half that we gave the ball away too much. Our young side is just lacking a bit of self-confidence at the moment." Confidence is something the Americans definitely do not lack, as they proved in an excellent victory against Norway.
Good support
The 27,000 crowd, chiefly made of neutral Chinese supporters, pledged their support to Norway but the Olympic champions could do little to prevent the US romping to victory for the second time in as many matches against their rivals, following their 4-0 victory in Minnesota last July.
First international goal
The Norwegians must have felt it was not going to be their day when, in the 24th minute, veteran defender Thori Bryan headed her first goal for her country after ten years of trying. Norway employed a defensive 4-5-1 formation but lone striker Dagny Mellgren proved too sharp for the US in the 41st minute, latching on to a fine Hege Riise pass to beat Briana Scurry with a low shot.
European meeting
Tiffeny Milbrett restored the US's lead in the 64th minute with a crisp left-foot volley and Heather O'Reilly wrapped up the win three minutes from time, beating the offside before calmly dispatching a clinical drive from 12 metres. The youngster said of her goal: "When I got in front of the goalkeeper, I saw the near post open and just tucked it in." Norway will now tackle Germany on 26 January, the same day the US meet China.
