A solitary strike by Li Ying on Thursday gave China a 1-0 victory over South Africa in Paris and ensured that Germany and hosts France are guaranteed qualifiers for the last 16 of the World Cup.
Li, who was brought into the China starting lineup following their opening 1-0 loss to Germany in Group B, got in front of Bambanani Mbane in the penalty area to turn in Zhang Rui’s delivery five minutes before halftime.
China almost scored again moments later when Wang Shanshan’s header at a corner came off the underside of the bar and bounced down, not quite crossing the line in its entirety.
Photo: AFP
The former runners-up deserved their victory, played out before just over 20,000 fans at the Parc des Princes, with South Africa lacking quality in the final third, despite their efforts.
“This victory belongs to all the players, they deserve it. There will be more battles to come and I hope we can last as long as possible in this tournament,” China coach Jia Xiuquan said.
Germany, winners of the World Cup in 2003 and 2007, had beaten Spain 1-0 on Wednesday, having already defeated China by the same scoreline in their first match.
They have six points, three more than both China and Spain, who clash on the final group match, meaning they are certain to finish in the top two places.
The result also confirms France’s passage to the knockout phase from Group A, with the hosts now certain to finish, at worst, as one of the best third-placed teams.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are still looking for a first point at this, their debut World Cup, but the forgiving format of the tournament means they are not yet eliminated, with four third-placed teams going through out of the six groups.
“I am very proud of the team,” South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said. “Obviously the result is not what we wanted, but we will dust ourselves off and start looking forward. Each and every player in the squad can really pat themselves on the back for today’s performance.”
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