Logo of Rio Olympic Games (Xinhuanet file photo)
China beat Japan 2-1 in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games women's football qualifier here on Friday.
Japan, which lost to Australia and drew with South Korea in previous matches, ranked only fifth in six teams before the match, while China needs a win to expand its advantage and bring it closer to Rio.
Both sides made fierce attacks from the beginning. In the 14th minute, a slip by the Japanese defenders gave China an opportunity, and Zhang Rui, an experienced player, promptly capitalized it and brought the score to 1-0.
In the 58th minute, a shot by Chinese player Gu Yasha brought the score to 2-0.
Japan struggled to turn the tide. In the 64th minute, Yokoyama pulled a goal back for the Japanese side and made the score 2-1.
The host team went on and made a few threats to the Chinese side, but failed to even the score by the end of the game.
"I would like to thank my teammates, who fought a great game both physically and in tactics." said head coach Bruno Bini after the game. "It was the greatest game we played since I became head coach."
With two victories and one draw, China holds the second place and is waiting for a matchup against South Korea two days later.
