Advertisement

China catches a break in 2-2 draw with New Zealand

China forward Han Peng and New Zealand midfielder Annalie Longo get tangled as they battle for possession of the ball during their group game at the Women's World Cup on Monday.

China forward Han Peng and New Zealand midfielder Annalie Longo get tangled as they battle for possession of the ball during their group game at the Women’s World Cup on Monday.

(Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Share

Wang Shanshan scored on a perfectly timed header and China benefited from a questionable penalty to earn a 2-2 draw in Women’s World Cup group game against New Zealand on Monday.

With the draw, China advances to the knockout stage as the second team from Group A.

New Zealand (0-2-1) went up 1-0 on a goal by Rebekah Ashley Stott in the 28th minute, but China tied the game on a penalty kick by Wang Lisi.

The penalty came after New Zealand’s Betsy Hassett was called for a hand ball in the penalty box, though replays showed the ball hit her chest and head.

Advertisement

China (1-1-1) went ahead 2-1 on Shanshan’s goal in the 60th minute, with New Zealand tying the game five minutes later on a goal by Hannah Wilkinson.

Advertisement