China's Wang Shuang shoots during a Group C match against Denmark at the Algarve Cup 2019 in Santo Antonio, Portugal, March 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
SANTO ANTONIO, Portugal, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China suffered their second consecutive loss at the Algarve Cup women's soccer invitational tournament after falling to Denmark 1-0 through a spot kick here on Monday.
Danish skipper Pernille Harder converted a penalty around the hour mark, while Chinese footballers saw two efforts denied by woodwork. China sit bottom in group C with two losses in as many games.
"We were a bit impatient in dealing with the ball, and squandered chances in front of goal," said Chinese starting center half Li Jiayue.
China coach Jia Xiuquan made five changes to the starting line-up, seeing a regular composition in attack with Wang Shuang and Wang Shanshan up in front. Bi Xiaolin replaced Wang Shimeng as the starting goalie.
Harder sent a left-flank cross after breaking into China's defensive line in the 11th minute, before Emilie Henriksen saw her shot at the back post just wide.
Harder's Chinese counterpart Zhang Rui almost broke the deadlock 10 minutes later, but her left-footed curling shot only bounced off the post.
Wang Shuang, currently playing for French club Paris Saint-Germain, sped past Danish goalkeeper Line Johansen in the 34th minute, but failed to connect teammates on position to slot home.
Danish striker Amalie Thestrup saw her shot wide in the 40th minute. Two minutes later, Wang had another strike blocked by Johansen before the first half ended in a stalement.
Denmark were awarded a penalty midway through the second half, as Wang Shanshan was penalized for pushing an opponent inside the area. Harder didn't waste the ensuing penalty.
Chinese teenager Zhao Yujie was close to register a magical international debut. After two shots in a row by fellow substitutes Yang Man and Wu Chengshu were blocked, the 19-year-old Zhao, playing and pursuing degree at Florida State University, turned around and fired a powerful strike, but it just went off the crossbar.
"Actually I felt a bit nervous when hearing my name called. After all, it's my international debut," admitted Zhao.
"I wanted to score that goal so much. I had thought that could be a goal. It was such a great pity," she added.
"We didn't execute well everything that the coach has emphasized in our training," Li pointed out.
Norway top the group by staying perfect in two matches, while Denmark rank second with a 1-1 record.
As for Wednesday's classification matches, Li said that the Chinese side need to do better in details, including ball movement and connection between offensive and defensive lines.
