Danes draw twice in China

By Peter Bruun

Denmark held China to two draws in Yiwu to underline their credentials ahead of WOMEN'S EURO 2005.

Duo missing
There was no separating Poul Højmose's side from the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-finalists as the Danes, missing top scorer Merete Pedersen because of club commitments in Italy and Julie Rydahl Bukh due to a knee injury, continued their preparations for June's European finals.

Chinese fitness
Having participated in a four-team international tournament the previous week, the Chinese women were faster than the Danes - playing for the first time since their winter break - and put them under considerable pressure in the early stages of Friday's opening game.

Vital save
However, in front of a 3,800 crowd, the Scandinavian side regained their composure by half-time and after the break, Mette Jokumsen and Johanna Rasmussen both had good efforts on goal as the visitors took control. Lene Jensen also threatened, before Katrine S Pedersen was denied by a great save from Chinese goalkeeper Yan Ru Zhang with ten minutes remaining.

Second draw
In Monday's second match, Denmark looked the better team in wet conditions and on 50 minutes, Jensen finally scored as she benefited from good work by Nadia Kjældgaard, a half-time replacement for Rasmussen. But the lead lasted only 19 minutes, Tong Zhang hitting a spectacular goal to ensure a 1-1 draw.

'Passed the test'
Højmose said: "Considering the stage of the season, our performance has been extremely good and we have to remember that China have a higher world ranking than we do, which gives us credit. In general the trip has been extremely useful, and I think we have passed the test."

Warm-up continues
The Danes return to action next month in the Algarve tournament against Finland, France and the United States. In England they begin their Group A campaign against Sweden before facing the hosts and the Finns.