US hopes to avoid China after heated soccer friendly
Updated: 2007-12-17 15:54
BEIJING - The coach of the United States under-23 side wants to avoid facing China if they qualify for next year's Olympics after a friendly between the teams ended with a contentious penalty and an ugly brawl.
 Li Weifeng (L) and Du Zhenyu of China's Olympic team acknowledge to spectators after their side draws 3-3 with United States under-23 side in a friendly game between the two in Guangzhou of South China December 16, 2007. [Xinhua] |
China's Olympic team drew with the United States 3-3 in Guangzhou on Sunday after the home side converted an injury-time penalty which local media reports described as "dubious".
China striker Du Zhenyu slotted home the spot-kick after team mate Wang Xiaolong had fallen in the penalty area under pressure from U.S. defenders.
Moments later, Wang and U.S. captain Sacha Kljestan were both dismissed after a crude tackle by the former sparked a mass brawl between the teams.
U.S. coach Peter Nowak said the host's "very good" hospitality had not extended to the field of play, China's Titan newspaper reported.
"All I can say is that I wish China luck during the Olympics, but if we qualify, I hope we don't meet them in the finals, because being the Olympic host, they're certain to have a lot of help," the paper quoted Nowak as saying.
The 16-team Olympic soccer tournament will take place in Beijing and four other cities from August 6-23.
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