Xinhua
28 Jul 2021, 07:25 GMT+10
The Steel Roses were knocked out of the Tokyo Olympics after a humiliating 8-2 defeat to the Netherlands saw them finish bottom of Group F.
YOKOHAMA, Japan, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China women's football team ended their journey at the Tokyo Olympics after a dismal 8-2 defeat against the Netherlands in the group stage on Tuesday.
After losing 5-0 to Brazil and drawing 4-4 against Zambia in their previous two group matches, the Steel Roses needed a victory against the World Cup runners-up to keep alive their hopes of progressing as one of the two best third-placed teams from three groups.
Forward Vivianne Miedema was absent from the Netherlands' starting line-up due to a groin injury sustained in the previous match against Brazil.
However, the match soon slipped away from China when Shanice van de Sanden scored in the 11th minute. China captain Wang Shanshan grabbed an equalizer in the 28th minute, but the Dutch side soon regained their lead, as a brace from Lineth Beerensteyn made the score 3-1 at half-time.
The Netherlands continued their dominance in the second half by scoring five more goals. Miedema came off the bench to add two to her tally, setting a new record for the most goals scored in a single Olympic tournament by one player with eight goals across three matches.
A confident Dutch side will now take on the United States in the quarterfinals, in a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final.
Dutch head coach Sarina Wiegman said her team has grown in the past two years since their defeat against the USA in that game, with more good players available as options.
"We will go for the win although we are not the favorites. You know the ball is round, so anything could happen."
The USA qualified in second place from Group G after a goalless draw with Australia. Both teams created few opportunities, with a header by Australia's Mary Fowler hitting the crossbar, and an effort from Alex Morgan that was disallowed for an offside.
Sweden remained perfect after cruising past New Zealand 2-0 in Group G's other match.
In Group E, Britain drew 1-1 with Canada to top the group, while hosts Japan beat Chile 1-0 to secure a place in the quarterfinals as the best third-placed team.
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