After both China and South Africa failed to pick up wins in their opening match, the two countries knew how important this game was. It was China, though, who imposed their will throughout the 90 minutes. The created a majority of the opportunities and deserved their 2-0 win with the goals coming late in both halves.
In just the second minute, Jermain Seoposwene got by Zhao Rong to creat space for herself in the second minute. Seoposwene's attempt, unfortunately, was hit straight into Zhao Lina's arms.
South Africa looked good early on in the match. Thembi Kgatlana broke behind China's defense and worked her way into the penalty box. In the end, Kgatlana's show was hit low and flew past Lina's arms and the far post.
Off of successive corners in the 36th and 37th minutes, Li Yang for China had a couple of chances to score. The first header got saved well by the South Africa goalkeeper. Yang’s second attempt missed the target altogether, going wide and to the right of the frame.
In the 44th minute, South Africa came close to finding the game's first goal. Number 5 hit a free kick into the wall but the rebound bounced straight to her again. On the follow up attempt, she blasted the crossbar and the ball slammed back into play.
Persistence pays off for China
China finally found a way through the stingy South Africa defense right before halftime. The had been building up pressure throughout the opening 45 minutes after controlling most of the good possession.
Wang Shuang started the move off by slipping in her teammate behind the defense. This left Gu Yasha one on one with Roxanne Barker. Yasha let fly and the ball bounced off the goalkeeper and found the back of the net.
China began the second half as they ended the first. They created the first opportunity of the second half through Wang Shuang -- the architect of the opening goal. Shuang’s curled attempt flew inches wide of the left post.
In the 56th minute, Shuang imposed her will once more. This time she danced by a South Africa defender inside the box before firing well wide of the frame of the goal.
The Chinese striker, Shuang, should have had a goal in this match because of how many opportunities came her way. With 19 minutes remaining, she missed a header and had another opportunity two minutes later. Shuang finally forced Barker to work but the attempt was hit straight into the goalkeeper's arms.
China double their lead late
The Asian nation finally found their second goal of the night in the 87th minute. Liu Shanshan headed a pass into the middle of the pitch which Tan Ruyin ran onto. Ruyin saw Barker off her line and fired from more than 35 yards away, beating the helpless Barker.
Coming up
China will wrap up play group stage play on Tuesday against Sweden. Meanwhile, South Africa have been eliminated from the games but will finish up with host nation Brazil.