Hosts China snatched a second clean win against South Africa 3-0 in the Olympic women's field hockey tournament on Tuesday.
Forward Tang Chunling gave China a 1-0 lead in the 6th minute by scoring a field goal and then the match went tight. Until the 33rd minute, forward Fu Baorong added another and put China 2-0 ahead at halftime.
China got the third goal from Song Qingling only five minutes into the second half.
South Africa had three penalty corners with one at the last second of the match, but they did not capitalize on their chances.
China coach Kim Chang Back said he was satisfied with the result but not with the procedure. "We were not so cooperative in defense and attack, and did not handle the ball well at the gate, squandering many scoring chances."
Having beaten Spain 3-0 in the first game on Sunday, China have yet conceded a single goal at the Beijing Olympics.
The win put China top of Pool A with six points, equal with Australia who hammered Spain 6-1 earlier of the day.
China next face reigning world champions the Netherlands on Thursday. "The Netherlands are world champions, but there are no unbeaten world champions," noted Kim. "Though the Dutch players are excellent, we have our own advantages, and if my players can perform normally, there will be a good result."
Fu Baorong told Xinhua that they would play all out to fight with the Netherlands, citing the ancient Chinese sayings that "With all people putting heart together even the Tai Mountain can be removed".
South African coach Jennifer King said compared to the last game losing 6-0 to the Netherlands, they made improvements in pace, ball possession, and they looked forward to play Australia, the Atlanta and Sydney gold medalists.
(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)