China miss late penalty, beaten by Germany at women's football quarterfinals

Wang Shuang's late penalty-kick found the right post as they lost to former world champions Germany in the women's football quarterfinal at Fonte Nova Arena on Friday.

Earlier, Sweden had caused a major upset by defeating four times champions USA in a quarterfinals penalty shoot-out in Brasilia.

The Germans dominated from the start with superior pace, power and technique but rarely tested keeper Zhao Lina after she tipped an early Leonie Maier's header around the post.

When substitute Wang Shanshan picked up two yellow cards within 12 minutes of coming on at half-ftime, the Europeans started to contribute more than eight players in China's back field.

In the 76th minute, German Melanie Behringer's superb 25-meter strike broke the deadlock. But Wang Shuang was awarded a penalty chance in the 83rd minute for China, when she tried to pierce the opponents' lines but was hauled down in the penalty zone.

Wang Shuang stepped up to the point to her strike hit the far post and Germany booked their semifinal berth with a 1-0 victory.

Sweden, the team who had held a goalless draw with China in the group stage, finished 1-1 with the U.S. after 90 minutes. They progressed to the semifinals by winning the shootout 4-3 at last.

Germany will face Canada in the next round while Sweden take on the hosts Brazil, who advanced defeated Australia 7-6 on penalties 7-6.

Source : XINHUA