China shut out on 1-3 loss to Mexico in Toulon Tournament

FOSSURMER, France, June 2 (Xinhua) -- An ambitious Chinese U21 team has failed to reach the knockout stage in the Toulon Tournament following a 1-3 loss to Mexico on Friday.

The team led by former Chinese international defender Sun Jihai thrilled the crowd with an 11th minute goal from Deng Yubiao.

Mexico's Roberto Alvarado found an equalizer at the 28th minute, sending a left-footer to the top left corner. Eduardo Aguirre headed home eight minutes later to put Mexico 2-0 up and converted a penalty following a foul committed by Sun Weizhi to Cesar Montes in the second half.

China was eliminated on two losses and one draw from the group which also included England and Mexico.

Despite the setbacks, Sun said he still has confidence in his team.

"We have learned a lot from the three games," he said. "These players are young and promising."

In the group's other game, England thrashed Qatar 4-0 to rank second to Mexico.

The Toulon Tournament has 12 teams drawn into three groups of four. The group winners and the best second-placed team will qualify for the semifinals. Enditem