Chinese player Dai Qinhua (L) fights for the ball against a Portuguese defender near the side line before driving a cross in the game at the International U-21 Soccer Festival in Toulon, France on Friday, June 1, 2007. [sohu.com]

 

A second-half goal from rising striker Chen Tao helped Chinese youth football team secure a 1-1 draw against Portugal at the International U-21 Soccer Festival in Toulon, France on Friday.

 

It's the sixth clash between the two sides at the tournament where China have only clinched one victory over their Portuguese counterparts. China lost 1-0 to the rivals last year in the 3rd place play-off.

 

The Portuguese seized control soon after the game started, but China, who have improved greatly under the guidance of Serbian Ratomir Dujkovic, succeeded in denying their rivals any scoring attempts before the break.

 

The Portuguese thought they had the lead just minutes into the second half, but the goal was annulled for offside.

 

The improving Chinese team showed their quality in counterattack and a Chen Tao goal put them only one step away from revenging last year's loss.

 

Chen Tao burst into the Portuguese box in the 65th minute after exchanging passes with Zhu Ting. The player, who is well known for his offensive qualities, then scored from a tight angle after his first shot was deflected by the Portuguese keeper.

 

However, the experienced Portuguese hit back with a late equalizer in the 71st minute of the 80-minute match when Bruno Gama drove the ball into the far corner of the Chinese goal after latching on to a cross from the left.

 

With Ghana and the Netherlands also drawing, all four teams in Group B are sharing the top spot with one point each.

 

China's second appearance is on Monday against the Netherlands.   

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2007)