China downed Sweden 20-19 in the women's handball's 5-8 placement at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday. The win enabled the hosts to fight for the fifth place in Saturday's competition.

It was a breakthrough compared with the eighth ranking of Chinese girls at the Athens Olympics four years ago.

"We have reached the goal set before the match. It is our first time to compete against Sweden. We have successfully followed the counterattack strategies of our coach. Wang Min played very well to defend the attacks of Swedish left back Linnea Torstenson who scored most in previous matches." said pivot Liu Yun.

Swedish coach Ulf Schefvert told reporters after the contest, "The match was tied. Both of the teams had lower morale and were physically week after failing to gain berths in semifinals."

The view was echoed by Chinese team's coach Kang Jae-won. He said, "Home fans gave great support to Chinese players, although they have lost much energy in previous matches and many girls suffer from injuries. Wu Wenjuan who scored at last had been asked to shoulder the defensive task as she has ligament ailment. I would like to thank our team members for their fighting spirit."

"I regret that we did not realize our goal of making semifinal. Chinese players have showed their top-class potential in training," said Kang.

China launched continuous attacks and carried out efficient cooperation before the gate. It put an end to the first half with 8-7, although Swedish girls scored first with a powerful shot at the fourth minute.

A penalty shootout of Sweden at the first minute after the interval made the two teams to fight for a lead with more fierce attacks. The match was tied nine times in the second half. Center back Wu Wenjuan secured China's victory with two minutes left by piercing the defense of Swedish girls and hurling the ball into the net.

China reached the quarterfinal at the Beijing Olympic women's handball after stunning European powerhouse France 21-18 in their last preliminary game, while debutant Sweden also found their place in top eight, upsetting Brazil 25-22 on Sunday.

The two teams lost out to South Korea and Norway respectively, missing the chance to make semifinals.

China will fight for the fifth place with the winner of the placement between Romania and France.

(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2008)