China

China pounced by Uruguay 4-0 at friendly

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-12 22:38

WUHAN -- China suffered a 4-0 defeat by World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay at an international friendly at the Wuhan Sports Center here on Tuesday.

It's the biggest loss since Chinese coach Gao Hongbo took position in May, 2009. With a shining World Cup squad including their famous three-pronged striking force made up of Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, Uruguay dominated the 90 minutes with much more possession and shots on target. The hosts could only rely on counter-attacks and dead balls to threaten the strong rivals.

Suares forced Chinese central back Feng Xiaoting to netted home an own goal to break the deadlock in the 70th minute. Cavani doubled the advantage nine minutes later with a long-range strike. Gabriel Rodriguez and Bruno Fernandez made another two to seal victory.

Captain Diego Lugano missed two great chances in the first half, both from Forlan's intriguing set-pieces. The defender headed Forlan's corner high over the bar before drove wide a wicked right-wing low cross from Suarez following Forlan's through ball. Cavani and Maximiliano Pereira had several long-range efforts to be saved by an in-form keeper Zeng Cheng.

China showed good organization in defence and made several sharp counters. Speedy Feng Renliang had two forays down the left to test the opposing side's defence, before Shalke 04 player Hao Junmin bent a tricky free kick to be parried by Fernando Muslera.

Uruguay changed several players and kept pressuring the hosts after the break. The South Americans carved open China's defence line with quick interchanges and quick shot passes. The hosts seemed to be sluggish in the last twenty minutes and swallowed four goals.