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ASIA - AFC NEWS

January 29, 2005 China defeats Russia and Australia upsets Germany in Four Nation Tournament   By Jia Ailing Friday, January 28, 2005 China 3 Russia 1   With goals from Han Duan, Ji Ting and Bi Yan, the China National Team defeated Russia 3-1 in their first match of the Four-Nation Tournament in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. China Deputy Head Coach Wang Haiming named a mixture of experience and youth in his squad for the match. Pu Wei, who took part in World Cup 1999 in the United States, played as a defender and Wang Kun, the captain of the China Under-19 National Team, partnered her. Game In the 35th minute, a Russian forward was pulled down in the box by Pu Wei but the referee did not punish the home side. Ten minutes later, China forward Han Duan's thunderous shot broke the deadlock after receiving a cross from Ren Liping. The visitors evened the match in the 60th minute with a counterattack goal. But in the 75th and 76th minute, China sealed their victory with goals from two substitutes, Ji Ting and Bi Yan. China starters Zhang Yanru-GK Pu Wei- D Li Jie -D Wang Kun -D Zhang Ying -D Bai Lili- M Shi Mengyu-M Zhang Ouying-M Pan Lina-M Han Duan-F Ren Liping-F "I did not show all my ability but I tried my best," Han Duan said after the match,"To us, it was a very difficult match. But I think we can play better in the next two matches. As for the result, I am satisfied with it." Han was named player of the match. Australia 1 Germany 0  In the opening match of the tournament, Australia beat World Champion Germany 1-0 with De Vanna Lisa scoring the only goal of the game in the 52nd minute. China will play Australia on Sunday and arch-rival Germany next Tuesday.