China¡¯s Sun Wen (L) vies for the ball with a player of the US in the first round match of Group B at the Algarve Cup 2006 held in the Algarve region of Portugal on March 9, 2006. The match ended with a 0-0 draw. (Xinhua Photo)

 FARO, Portugal, March 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Thanks to a solid defence, China held Olympic champions the United States to a goalless draw in the opening game of Algarve women's football competition on Thursday.

     The United States, who got the upper hand, found it hard to beat China's well-organized defence and the inspired goalkeeper Han Wenxia.

    The towering striker Abby Wambach, who looked always dangerous before China's goal, missed a good chance in the 87th minute when her angled shot grazed the right post and flew out.

    But it was China who created the most dangerous chance in the 80th minute when defender Liu Yali beat two American players down the left flank and dished out a cross pass which met midfielder Zhang Na whose long-distance effort hit the bar.

    The skipper of the American side Kristine Lilly looked a littlefrustrated at the goalless draw. "We were a little disappointed," said the 34-year-old veteran.

China's Ma Xiaoxu vies for the ball with a player of U.S. in the first round match of Group B at the Algarve Cup 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    "We created a lot of chances, but just could not put the ball in. China's defence were too good," she added.

    China's head coach Ma Liangxing was satisfied with his players' performance.

    "They are regaining their confidence to play against strong teams like the United States," he said.

    "What makes me happy is that my players now dare to compete physically with their strong rivals. And they can now launch attacks faster and more accurately from defence," he added. Enditem