China beats Chinese Taipei in women's East Asian Cup
China took an early lead after eight minutes, when Shao struck a rebound after her initial header had hit the crossbar. In the 16th minute, Shen Mengyu doubled the advantage with a goal following a corner kick.
After the break, Chinese Taipei mounted a counterattack. Su Yu-hsuan and Chen Yu-chin each found the net to level the score at 2-2.
With the match hanging in the balance, China regained the lead in the 82nd minute as Wang Yanwen unleashed a long-range strike to make it 3-2. In stoppage time, Zhang Linyan delivered a pinpoint cross that Shao converted with a header, completing her brace and sealing China's 4-2 victory.
China head coach Ante Milicic said afterwards that his team were in control for most of the match. "I haven't got any accurate statistics, but I'd say at least 75% [possession]. I'm sure we have at least 20 shots towards goal," he said.
"But definitely there was a period in the second half over ten to 15 minutes where we didn't show the mentality of a strong team. We let our opponents back into the game, and that might [have made] the last part of the game a lot more difficult," Milicic admitted.
"We didn't underestimate the opponent, but definitely, there was a ten- to 15-minute period where we didn't concentrate. We were too relaxed, that really hurt us during today's game," he added.
Shao told Xinhua after the game: "The team showed strong attacking intent today, but we need to stay more focused after taking the lead. In the next match, we must prioritize solid defense and then push forward with our offense."
In the other match of the day, Japan and South Korea played out a 1-1 draw.
The East Asian Cup tournament is a four-team mini-league where each team plays the others once. Rankings are determined by total points, followed by head-to-head results, goal difference and goals scored. The women's tournament at the 2025 East Asian Cup features four teams: China, Japan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.
After two rounds, China and Japan both sit on four points, followed by South Korea on two points from two draws and Chinese Taipei, who has lost both matches.
On July 16, the final match day of the tournament, China will face Japan and Chinese Taipei will take on South Korea.
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