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China kicks off Algarve Cup with goalless draw against Brazil

Xinhua, March 5, 2015 Adjust font size:

China's women soccer nationals found themselves hard to gain possessions against Brazil in their opening Group A match which ended 0-0 at the 2015 Algarve Cup here on Wednesday.

The world No. 13 Chinese, who last year finished fifth, their best results in four years, didnot make a single direct attack until five minutes before break.

With five changes made to the lineup, Hao Wei's side created more chances in the second half, while the eighth-ranked Brazil still took control of the game with a ball possession of over 60 per cent.

China's best chance coming in the 77th minute when substitute Tang Jiali got face-to-face with Brazilian goalkeeper Luciana Dionisio with a solo run before her flip was easily blocked off.

Star midfielder Marta almost opened scoring for Brazil on the 81st minute but her powerful shoot was tabbed over the bar by the Chinese goalie Zhang Yue.

With Wednesday's goalless draw, China, the 1999 and 2002 winners of Algarve Cup, sits on the second in Group A alongside with Brazil, trailing leaders Sweden after the world No. 5 trounced Germany 4-2.

Arguably women's most prestigious international exhibition tournament, the Algarve Cup, held annually in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal since 1994, has been slated this year on March 4-11. Endite