Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Paris: China’s women’s national team suffered a setback in their preparations for next month’s Olympics with a 3-0 defeat to France on Sunday.
First half goals from Kadidiatou Diani and Wendie Renard, as well as a late penalty from Claire Lavogez proved China’s undoing as the Europeans, who will also be in Rio, powered past their East Asian opponents now guided by former France head coach Bruno Bini.
Bini has been charged with building on the momentum gained by China when they reached the quarter-finals at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
At the Olympics, China will play South Africa, Sweden and host nation Brazil, their opening Group E opponents on August 3.
GROUP E: Brazil, China, Sweden, South Africa
Wednesday, August 3
Brazil v China (Olympic Stadium, Rio de Janeiro)
Saturday, August 8
South Africa v China (Olympic Stadium, Rio de Janeiro)
Tuesday, August 9
China v Sweden (Mané Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia)
Photo: AFP