XI'AN, China, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Three counterattacks helped Uruguay U-20 team to win over China 3-1 in the CFA international football match here on Monday.
The visitors almost took the lead as defender Austin Rogel missed his close header in the 3rd minute. Against the fierce attacking of the Uruguayan at the beginning of the duel, the home players could only stop their opponents through a series of fouls.
Uruguay netted the opener in the 22nd minute when forward Nicolas Schiappacasse received a right-wing cross. And the hosts almost equalized as Yang Liyu's long range shot hit the crossbar in the injuring time of the first half.
Uruguay extended its lead through Joaquin Ardaiz and Rodrigo Amaral in the 58th and 90th minutes, both from counterattacks. In between, substitute Guo Tianyu scored for the hosts in the 85th minute.
To the cheers of over 20,000 attendants at Shaanxi Provincial Stadium, the Chinese footballers took a higher possession rate of the ball, but failed to convert any of their opportunities to a goal.
"I'm not unhappy after the loss. It's after all the first match when this team founded. However, I'm satisfied with the braveness and willing to win of my boys during the match," said Massimiliano Maddaloni, the head coach of China U-20 national team, as well as the assistant coach of China national team. Enditem
