Wang Shanshan celebrates China's lone goal against South Korea. (Photo : Getty Images)
With China's women's football team defeating the Republic of Korea 1-0 following Australia beating the Democratic People's Republic of Korea 2-1 on Monday, the Steel Roses and the Matildas have now qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, as reported by China.org.
Wang Shanshan scored the only goal in the game, allowing the undefeated China to secure its first Olympic Games appearance since 2008. The 26-year-old forward found the net two minutes before halftime.
The eight-time Asian champions won the match, adding to their earlier victories over Vietnam and Japan, as well as their draw against North Korea.
The first-quarter hour of the match saw the Republic of Korea asserting their dominance on the pitch, with a great chance in the 15th minute when Ji So-yun passed to Jung Sul-bin in the penalty box. However, the shot was saved by Zhao Lina, the Chinese goalkeeper, with Lee Min-a almost catching the rebound.
China's first good chance to score came at the 31st minute. However, Wang failed to turn Tan Ruyin's free kick from the right side into a close-range goal. Wang rectified this mistake at the 43rd minute of the match.
At the start of the second half, South Korea again had a strong start. However, their efforts came up short.
In the 56th minute, Jang Sel-gi's attempt from range went over the crossbar.
In the 66th minute, Ji So-yun failed to score from a difficult overhead kick from the edge of the area on target.
Lastly, on the 74th minute, Jung Sul-bin had a clear shooting opportunity but saw her effort go wide from the edge of the penalty area.
With eight minutes left on the clock, China tried to further cement their victory, but Gu Yasha's near effort was blocked by the near post.
"Korea Republic still had the chance to qualify so they came to play very seriously in this game, not just to watch us play," said Chinese Women's Team coach Bruno Bini in between his team victory over South Korea and Australia's victory over North Korea.
"In the second half, our substitutions were made to prevent their attacks from the side. We sent our attacking players to prevent their attacking," added Bini.
