It's the second straight defeat Zhu Guanghu's side has conceded during this warm-up series in the US. They were beaten 4-1 by the US national team in the tour's opener.

Zhu made changes to the starting lineup, an attempt hoped to revive the Chinese attack and also a concession to pressure from domestic critics over China's self-stifling performances.

However, Li Tie, who was blamed for the team's lack-of-control in the midfield, was still in place - present on the pitch from the start of the match.

China wanted to take an early lead with its typical swift wing play, but the US side succeeded in choking back China's aggression, with a bigger share of ball possession.

Dong Fangzhuo from Manchester United should have been the key for the Chinese to clinch a long-desired victory. The player managed breakthroughs on the right flank, but the team reaffirmed domestic fears with a lack of efficiency in turning advantages into goals.

The Chinese had to pay for their rash squandering of chances in the 79th minute when the Real Salt Lake executed a fine counterattack to score the winner. Only three stranded players were needed to clinch the winner.

The defeat has also sparked disputes as to whether or not to sack Zhu Guanghu as head coach. In an online survey cast by leading domestic website sina, half of the 30622 interviewed thought Zhu should be held responsible for the rout, while more than 70 percent of votes advocated he be fired.

The team is to play their next rivals, Colorado Rapids, on Monday.
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(CRIENGLISH.com June 9, 2007)

Chinese Coach Aims for Semifinals Women's Soccer World Cup?

Susan Marika Domanski-Lyfors, head coach of Chinese women's soccer team, said on Friday that she'll lead the host team to at least a semifinal finish at the forthcoming World Cup.

"We want to reach the semifinals at least," the Swedish told Xinhua when foreseeing the World Cup due on September 10-30 in China.

"Our defense has to be more aggressive and there're spaces for us to improve on techniques," she added while pointing out the aspect she wants the team to improve.

The Chinese side, known as "Steel Roses", lost 1-0 Friday to Argentina after winning the first friendly match ended also in 1-0in favor of the visiting side.

"My players did not play well in the first half, but after they improved in performance in the second half, we could have won the game," she said.

"We did not have problems playing against a very technical team. It is important for players to get experience in these type of games," Domanski-Lyfors added.

Argentina, reigning champions of South American, won the continental title last year after defeating Brazil, who had won the four prior championships, in the final at the Argentine city of Mar del Plata.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2007)