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China entered the quarterfinal for the first time in eight years after defeating Cameroon 1-0, thanks to a first-half goal of Wang Shanshan, at the Women's World Cup here on Saturday.
Wang tapped in a perfect cross of Li Dongna to beat Cameroon goalkeeper Annette Ngo Ndom in the 12th minute for the sole goal of the match.
A stroke of heavy rain hit the Commonwealth Stadium 20 minutes before the kick-off though the sun came out when the game started.
The Africans picked up the attacks first but didn't have clear chances until China hit the target with their first shot on a counter-attack.
China put much efforts on defence from the very beginning and never changed their tactical even with an one-goal lead.
Cameroon came all out in the second half, leaving more space in the back when Wang, who used to play the center back but be a forward this match, had at least three solo scoring chances but failed to extend the lead.
"My players are warriors. I give three words to them - brilliant, brave and determined. They are fantastic in the whole 90 minutes," said assistant coach Chang Weiwei, who took the command from suspended head coach Hao Wei for the match.
Ren Guixin, who was named the best player of the game, said, "I think our best weapon in the tournament is solid defence and counter-attacks. Nobody believed we could go so far in the World Cup, but we did, and I believe we could be more bloody next match."
Han Peng bumped head with Camroon's defender and bled in the injury time and came back minutes later with a bandage head.
Cameroon's head coach Enow Ngachiu highly praised Chinese defence.
"I think China's defence is one of the best in the tournament. We didn't have space to score because there're always 5-6 Chinese players ran as fast as they could for the ball. We didn't have many chances to score," he said. "I think they can make more surprises, even facing the U.S.."
China will meet the winners of the match between the United States and Colombia.
"There is no win or loss, only fight on the pitch. We're ready to face the U.S. if they advance," Chang said. "We have no pressure and we have a great tournament so far. I want my players to go as far as they can, or fly as far as they can." Enditem
