YONGCHUAN, Chongqing, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China lost to Norway 1-0 in the second round of the Women's Soccer Four-nation Invitation Tournament here on Monday.
This was the second straight loss for China since the opening 1-0 defeat by Canada.
The host team withstood the challenge from women's soccer powerhouse Norway, ranked 12th in the world, but failed to hold it to the end. In the 87th minute, Melissa Bjanesoy penetrated from the right side to the penalty area and converted a lobbed shot into goal.
China got into action quickly as Li Ying's left-footed a shot to the pole at the seventh minute.
Norway made the first threatening shot in the 44th minute as Isabell Herlovsen's left-foot shot just missed the goal.
China had kept an edge until the 87th minute when substitute player Melissa Bjanesoy broke the deadlock. Now the record between the two sides was 14 wins, one draw and 10 losses in favor of Norway.
"We wanted to win too much. But we are lacking in experience. However my players did very well, especially young players like Li Ying, "said China's head coach Hao Wei in a post-match press conference.
Even Pellerud, head coach of Norway, said: "Both of us had many chances but China was not lucky enough. Especially in the second half, we were better than China in physical strength."
In the third round, China will meet South Korea on Wednesday.