NOTES

Despite China’s convincing victory over Norway Sunday, Coach Ma Yuanan declined to declare his team the favorite in Saturday’s final against the U.S. at the Rose Bowl.

“This is probably the best team we’ve had in the past few years. Next Saturday the team we play will be stronger than tonight,” he said. “I wish they would play to the performance level they did April 25.’

That was a 2-1 victory by China at Giants Stadium.

*

China’s goalkeeper, Gao Hong, has recorded three shutouts and given up only two goals in five games. Asked if her team can play better, she hesitated.

“I don’t speak English,” she said--in English.

Through a translator, she said the players’ teamwork has improved and she personally did better Sunday with high crosses. “That was very, very good,” she said. “People were worried about air balls.”

*

Liu Ailing, who scored twice in China’s 5-0 victory, scored once with each foot. Asked which she favors, she smiled. “I usually play with my right foot, but my left foot is actually not too bad,” she said.