France loses 1-0 to China in World Cup warmup

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-05 09:17

France loses 1-0 to China in World Cup warmup

Deng Zhuoxiang (C) of China celebrates with team mates after scoring against France in their friendly soccer match at Michel Volnay stadium in the French overseas territory of La Reunion June 4, 2010. [Agencies]

PARIS - A free-kick from Deng Zhuoxiang gave China a 1-0 win over France on Friday as Les Bleus suffered an unexpected defeat in their last World Cup warmup game.

The hosts controlled the game at large but did not begin to threaten until they had gone behind and they sign off their pre- tournament preparations with a win, a draw and a loss after beating Costa Rica 2-1 and tying 1-1 with Tunisia.

Playing on the French island of Reunion for the first time in their history, France persisted with the 4-3-3 formation that they have adopted since the start of their pre-World Cup training camp and, as in their last two matches, the majority of their best play came down the left.

Florent Malouda had a sight of goal in the first minute after his run down the inside-left channel was spotted by Nicolas Anelka but his low center was diverted away from goal by China goalkeeper Zeng Cheng's left leg.

Franck Ribery and Yoann Gourcuff both had shots from distance saved, while William Gallas saw an instinctive backheel ruled out for offside.

Gallas headed narrowly wide from a corner later in the first half but for all their territorial dominance, France were often careless in possession and lacked a cutting edge.

Thierry Henry and Abou Diaby also entered the fray but it was China who broke the deadlock when Deng embarrassed Lloris from 35 yards with his side's first shot on target of the game.

Zeng then had to save twice in quick succession from Govou and Henry, while Henry headed wide from Diaby's pass and Gignac curled a low effort straight into Zeng's midriff.

The China goalkeeper thwarted France three times in the closing stages, pulling off good saves to deny Diaby, Gourcuff and, bravely, Henry, before Gallas miscued in front of an open goal in injury time.

The 2006 runners-up travel to South Africa on Saturday and begin their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on June 11.