China looking to playoffs after win over Holland

China beat Holland 2-1 to lead group B in the Toulon soccer Tournament in Toulon, South France, June 3.

China forward Zhu Ting(R) dribbles past an undentified Holland player in Toulon, France, June 3, 2007. [Sina]Two goals from forward Jiang Ning helped China to win with four points from two matches as Portugal defeated Ghana 1-0.

If China ties Ghana on June 5, China will secure a spot in the semifinals.

China withstood Holland's attacks with ten players in the game's final minutes after forward Yang Xu was sidelined with injury to the head and China had used up all three substitutes.

Yang was sent to hospital and diagnosed as mild concussion, but he might be able to play in next match according to Sina.com.

China's Serbian coach Ratomir Dujkovic, who led Ghana to the playoffs at the 2006 World Cup, was satisfied with his Chinese players, who are widely regarded as the country's Olympic team preparing for the Beijing Games next year.

Duikovic said the team deserved the victory and had showed their patriotism.

Vice chairman of Chinese Football Association Xie Yalong, the de facto top soccer governor of China, also expressed his compliment.

"I know some starting lineup players of this team are not here, but from the playing of these players, I thought they were all starters."

In Group A, host France became the first team to advance with a convincing 5-1 win over Japan, but Japan is still in second-place after Germany drew a 1-1 tie with Cote d'Ivoire.