China end with win as Ghana edged out again

China PR concluded their campaign at Japan 2012 in wining fashion but their 1-0 victory over Ghana fell way short of what they needed to displace USA from second place in Group D. In a fairly low key affair, both teams battled the sunny and humid conditions, with Ghana playing only for pride. China needed a massive victory to overhaul USA with an eight goal deficit separating the teams before the final matchday. Nevertheless, China played in circumspect fashion and it was Ghana who had the better of the early exchanges. The always dangerous Florence Dadson hit the crossbar in the early stages and China took until the half-hour mark to mount their first serious attempt on goal. Ten minutes before the break came the game’s decisive moment as Han Jiayuan received a long pass on the right side of the penalty area, before pulling the ball back for Zhao Xindi to fire home. The second half saw Ghana with more possession but creating only half-chances at best. Despite their best endeavours, the Africans ended the tournament without a point or goal FIFA