China started with its traditional 4-4-2 formation, attacking the opponents mainly from the wings. Coach Shang put Han and Xu on front line, with Bi Yan supporting attacks in midfield.
The Steel Roses controlled the ball better, making low and short passes as many as possible, while Sweden counted on its strong fitness and fast pace by launching long-pass attacks.
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Chinese striker Xu Yuan steers the ball into the empty net after midfielder Zhang Na's powerful long shot bounced off the left post, August 6, 2008. [sina.com]
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The Chinese defenders paid much attention to Sweden's ace striker Lotta Schelin from the beginning and tried hard to give her little space to play.
After Han scored China's second goal, the Scandinavians had a few chances for equalizing, but their efforts were denied by goalkeeper Zhang with excellent saves.
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Pu Wei (L) of China fights for the ball with Sara Thunebro of Sweden during the Beijing Olympic Games women's football Group E first round match in Tianjin, Olympic co-host city in north China, Aug. 6, 2008. China beated Sweden 2-1. [Yang Zongyou/Xinhua]
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The Chinese lost two key players to injuries just before the match. Star forward Ma Xiaoxu injured her left knee in a warm-up against the United States, and midfielder Qu Feifei broke her leg in a tune-up with New Zealand.
China will take on Canada in its second match of Group E on Aug. 9 while Sweden will face underdog Argentina.
(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)