In a tense semi-final, China triumphed over the United States at the semifinal of the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Championship on Thursday, advancing to an all-Asian final with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

This game, between the two tournament heavyweights, was eagerly anticipated and the US team had the better of the first half, the rare Chinese threats coming on the counter-attack. The second half continued in much the same way, and the American team, baying for blood, battered Zhang Yanru's goal. However, the Chinese goalkeeper's heroic efforts secured the clean-sheet and the best player of the match award for Zhang.

As the match headed for penalties after the Chinese team doggedly clung on through extra-time, the atmosphere grew tenser. Ultimately, it was Zhang Yanru who saved the day again by tipping Lauren Cheney's penalty over the bar to give the 5-4 victory to China.

In the other semifinal, the DPRK edged out Brazil 1-0 and will face China in the championship's final on Sunday in the Russian capital.

(Xinhua News Agency September 1, 2006)