An in-form China squad triumphed over Norway 3-1 in a convincing way yesterday to climb on top of the standings at the Four Nation Women's Soccer Tournament in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province.

 

China now have four points from two games and are level with the US. But the hosts bettered the US with one more goal for the top spot. France rank the third with two draws and Norway are the last with two defeats.

 

Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen brought on a nearly completely different starting line-up from the first match against the US.

 

The Vikings made a high tempo opening, threatening the Chinese defense with fast long balls and sharp set pieces in the first 10 minutes. Then the hosts began to display their power. A two-pronged striking force made up of speedy Han Duan and Ma Xiaoxu posed big problems for the Norwegian side.

 

 

Han went close on two occasions with a mid-range drive and a neat header following midfielder Bai Lili's curving free kick. The 23-year-old forward broke the deadlock one minute before the interval with an accurate header after another midfielder Bi Yan's center from the right flank.

 

Bi doubled the advantage for China 10 minutes into the second half, firing a stunning left foot heavy drive from 25 meters to beat a helpless Ingrid Hjelmseth. Midfielder Marie Knutsen pulled one back for Norway with a low drive in the box in the 62nd minute.

 

However, seven minutes later Ma headed home at the near post following Wang Kun's cross from the right to seal victory.

 

Han should have found her second goal in the game but was denied by the referee for offside.

 

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2006)