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| September 2, 2002 | Monday | Jamadi-us-Saani23,1423 |
China seal historic victory
MACAU, Sept 1: Unfancied hosts China defeated shell-shocked defending champions Argentina in a nerve-racking penalty shoot-out to clinch a historic first-ever Champions Trophy crown Sunday.
Argentina’s hopes of defending their title in the elite six-nation event appeared in tatters as 23-year-old Hou Xiao Lan pounced twice in 10 minutes in the first-half to send 600 mostly-Chinese fans wild at Macau Stadium.
However, two predatory strikes from Argentine striker Vanina Oneto within the space of three minutes hauled the top-ranked South Americans back to 2-2 and forced the game into extra-time and then a penalty shoot-out.
But China would not be denied and Zhou Wan Feng stroked home the winning penalty, after earlier heroics from goalkeeper Nie Ya Li, to seal a 3-1 win in the penalty stroke competition sparking jubilant celebrations.
Earlier, a dramatic golden goal winner from captain Mijntje Donners capped a brilliant comeback from the Netherlands, as the European Champions denied Australia
a consolation third palace finish in the Champions Trophy in Macau with a 4-3 victory.
New Zealand had defeated Commonwealth Games silver medallists England 2-0 in a hard fought battle to clinch fifth position.—AFP
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