Steel Roses in bloom, nip rift rumors in bud

China's Steel Roses got off the mark at the FIFA Women's World Cup on Thursday, shooting down their critics and rumors of a rift between head coach Jia Xiuquan and star player Wang Shuang in the process.

In a dominant display that lacked only for more goals, a first-half volley from striker Li Ying proved enough to earn the points against South Africa at Parc des Princes in Paris.

The 1-0 win leaves China third in Group B, level on points with second-place Spain to set up a mouthwatering showdown between the two teams on Monday (Tuesday morning Beijing time), when a spot in the knockout stage will be up for grabs.