China scores late to defeat Netherlands, 1-0, in group play
China forward Wang Lisi (21) celebrates her goal against Netherlands with teammate Lou Jiahui in the second half of their Women’s World Cup group game on Thursday.
Wang Lisi scored in the first minute of stoppage time to give China a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands on Thursday in the first round of the Women’s World Cup.
Wang took a pass from midfield by Tan Ruyin in the penalty area and was able to tap the ball just inside the far post past Sari van Veenenedaal, who was charging forward to challenge the play.
The last-ditch win puts China opening-group play record at 1-1-0 for three points. It lost its opener to Canada on Saturday on a penalty kick by Christine Sinclair in injury time.
China dominated play, generating 26 shots, 10 on goal, compared to six shots, three on goal, for the Netherlands.
China had the better of possession as well, owning the ball 59 percent of play.
The Netherlands, which beat New Zealand in its first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup match last Saturday, fell to 1-1-0 for three points.
