China's Han Peng (L) vies with Desiree Van Lunteren (C) of the Netherlands during the group A match against the Netherlands at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Edmonton, Canada, June 11, 2015. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Wang Lisi scored a last-minute goal to award China an 1-0 win over the Netherlands in group A at the Women's World Cup on Thursday.
The 24-year-old midfielder rushed to a long pass from teammate Tan Ruyin and fired the ball past Van Veenendaal at the 90th minute.
"I was still running after the ball after my shot, because I wondered if it could hit the post again," said Wang with a big smile, who had twice hit the post in their opening match against Canada.
China keeper Wang Fei, who stopped every shot except the last-minute penalty from Canadian veteran Christine Sinclair five days ago, also made several brilliant saves against the Dutch and burst into tears after the final whistle.
"We were very disappointed after losing the opening match in that way. I decided to exert all my strength to keep a clean sheet today, and I made it," Wang said.
"Our players were under a lot of pressure after losing the first match. Today they showcased their true abilities and I am so proud of them," said China's coach Hao Wei.
China dominated from the very beginning with Tang Jiali's long shot just off the bar in the fourth minute. Wang Lisi's acrobatic shot was denied one minute later.
Midway through the firs half, Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema latched onto a superb Manon Melis pass but the teenager from Bayern Munich could only fire her shot wide under pressure.
China started to dominate the second half with Tang Jiali breaking through from the left side, only to see her shot straight at Van Veenendaal in the 53rd minute.
It was Tang who nearly put China ahead at the 66th minute with a powerful shot denied by the bar.
Substitute Ma Jun came close at the 86th minute when she tapped high a perfect pass from Tang.
China had 27 shots throughout, 10 of which on goal, including the winner.
"We were prepared to win this match, to be honest, at one time, I was wondering whether we can win this match," Hao Wei told a post-match press conference.
"Thanks to my players. They deserve this victory," he added.
