Bai Jie scored in the 16th minute as China beat Russia 1-0 Sunday night to claim first place in Group D Women's World Cup play.

Russia's Tatiana Egorova (7) and China's Wei Pu (11) struggle for control of the ball during second half action. [AP]

China had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals thanks to Ghana' 2-1 win over Australia in the earlier match. China now plays Canada on Thursday at PGE Park, while Russia, the runner-up in group D, will play Germany.

China jumped out early when Bai got past Russia goalkeeper Alla Volkova, who ran helplessly behind.

Despite increased pressure in the second half, Russia had no luck against China goalkeeper Han Wenxia. Vera Stroukova came closest with a penalty kick that narrowly missed the goal.

Volkova made a critical save in the 77th minute when Bai charged at her alone and she unflinchingly blocked the shot.

Sun Wen missed an earlier opportunity for China when her first-half header caromed off the goalpost.

Sun led the tournament with seven goals in 1999, when the Americans beat the Chinese 5-4 on penalty kicks for the title at the Rose Bowl.

China players salute their supporters after beating Russia 1-0 [AP]

She has one goal in the competition, 106 in her career and 11 in World Cup play, one shy of Michelle Akers' Cup record. The 30-year-old has said she will retire after the World Cup.

Russia (2-1) had clinched a spot in the quarterfinals with 3-0 win over Ghana on Thursday.

Russia's Elena Fomina (13) battles for the ball with China's Pu Wei (11) and Liu Ying (10).[AP]

China, which was supposed to host the World Cup before it was moved because of the SARS outbreak, beat Ghana but played to a 1-1 tie against Australia before downing Russia to claim the top ranking in Group D.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 19,132 at PGE Park, home of the Triple-A Portland Beavers baseball team, and the soccer's A-League Portland Timbers.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+Suspects detained in massive sex scandal ( 2003-09-28) +China beats Russia 1-0 to top Group D ( 2003-09-29) +China unveils anti-SARS taskforce ( 2003-09-29) +New Oriental fined 10m yuan in copyright lawsuit ( 2003-09-29) +China's urban schools asked to serve for migrant workers ( 2003-09-28)		+Yao inspires China into semi-finals ( 2003-09-29) +China beats Russia 1-0 to top Group D ( 2003-09-29) +Hamm sits as US cruises by North Korea 3-0 ( 2003-09-29) +Chinese duo settle for silver in Shanghai Open ( 2003-09-29) +World's best paddlers squaring off in Jiangyin ( 2003-09-29)