China defeats Sweden to vie for fifth in Olympic women's handball
21/8/2008 18:03
China downed Sweden 20-19 in the women's handball's 5-8 placement at the
Beijing Olympics today. The win enabled the hosts to fight for the fifth place
in Saturday's competition.
It was a breakthrough compared with the eighth
ranking of Chinese girls at the Athens Olympics four years ago.
"We have
reached the goal set before the match. It is our first time to compete against
Sweden. We have successfully followed the counterattack strategies of our coach.
Wang Min played very well to defend the attacks of Swedish left back Linnea
Torstenson who scored most in previous matches. " said pivot Liu Yun.
Swedish
coach Ulf Schefvert told reporters after the contest, "The match was tied. Both
of the teams had lower morale and were physically week after failing to gain
berths in semifinals."
The view was echoed by Chinese team's coach Kang
Jae-won. He said, "Home fans gave great support to Chinese players, although
they have lost much energy in previous matches and many girls suffer from
injuries. Wu Wenjuan who scored at last had been asked to shoulder the defensive
task as she has ligament ailment. I would like to thank our team members for
their fighting spirit."
"I regret that we did not realize our goal of making
semifinal. Chinese players have showed their top-class potential in training,"
said Kang.
China launched continuous attacks and carried out efficient
cooperation before the gate. It put an end to the first half with 8-7, although
Swedish girls scored first with a powerful shot at the fourth minute.
A
penalty shootout of Sweden at the first minute after the interval made the two
teams to fight for a lead with more fierce attacks. The match was tied nine
times in the second half. Center back Wu Wenjuan secured China's victory with
two minutes left by piercing the defense of Swedish girls and hurling the ball
into the net.
China reached the quarterfinal at the Beijing Olympic women's
handball after stunning European powerhouse France 21-18 in their last
preliminary game, while debutant Sweden also found their place in top eight,
upsetting Brazil 25-22 on Sunday.
The two teams lost out to South Korea and
Norway respectively, missing the chance to make semifinals.
China will fight
for the fifth place with the winner of the placement between Romania and
France.
Xinhua
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