China’s striker Li Ying
scored the only goal in a crucial 1-0 victory over South Africa’s Banyana
Banyana in a women’s World Cup Group B clash at the Parc des Princes on
Thursday, a result that ensured Germany and France progress to the
second round.
Debutants South Africa are now likely out of
contention after two defeats, but China face a do-or-die final pool match
against Spain on Monday, when they will need victory to progress given their
inferior goal difference.
They might have put themselves in the driving seat had they taken a host
of late chances, but as with their opening defeat by Germany, their finishing
let them down.
+3
+3
Germany
cannot finish outside the top two in the group, and a point in their final
match against South Africa will see them avoid a likely second round match
against holders the United States.
The result also means Group A leaders France are assured of at least a
place among the best third-placed teams and seals their passage into the next
stage.
China had the majority of possession in the first half as the South
Africans battled to keep hold of the ball, their wayward passing inviting
pressure from the Asian side.
China had gone close before taking the lead as Wang Shuang shot over the
crossbar from the edge of the box and the impressive Gu Yasha fired well wide
in acres of space.
+3
The result means debutants South Africa are
now likely out of contention after two defeats
It seemed only a matter of time before the breakthrough was made and it
came in the 40th minute via Ying, who got a touch to Zhang Rui’s cross from
deep to steer the ball past South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
China were an inch away from a second goal before the break as Wang
Shanshan rose unopposed at a corner, but her header struck the underside of the
bar, with most, but not all, of the ball crossing the line.
South Africa improved after the break and finally managed a shot on
target past the hour mark, but Kholosa Biyana’s long-range effort was easy for
China goalkeeper Peng Shimeng to save.
China looked the fitter team in the closing stages and created a number
of opportunities, but could not capitalise to improve their goal difference.
