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US beats Norway, China-France draw in women's football
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-19 14:38
US women's soccer captain Kristine Lily played her 300th game as she led her
team to a 3-1 win over Norway in the opening match of a four nation's tournament
in southern China's Guangdong province.
Despite Norway's strong defense early in the match, Lily got the US on the
scoreboard in the 70th minute when she curved a spectacular free kick around the
wall from just outside the penalty area for a 1-0 lead.
Six minutes later a cross from the 36-year-old mid-fielder found the head of
teammate Shannon Boxx, giving the US a 2-0 lead.
Norway scored a goal back in the 80th minute when midfielder Unni Lehn
knocked home a penalty kick. But US striker Abby Wambach put the outcome of the
match beyond doubt when four minutes later she swept by her defender and slotted
home the third goal.
In the day's second match up, hosts China drew with a stubborn France 1-1.
After a scoreless first half, midfielder Elise Bussaglia finally put "les
Bleues" on the board with a kick that was so fast, China's goal keeper Han
Wenxia was left standing still.
With victory nearly in their grasps, the visiting team ceded a goal to
Chinese striker Han Duan in the 90th minute.
All four teams are gearing up for the 2007 Women's World Cup to be held in
China. Qualifying for the tournament begins this year.
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