China crush Thailand in Asian Games women's football to reach semifinals
Updated 09:12, 29-Aug-2018
Hu Zhicheng
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Midfielder Wang Shuang fired a hat-trick as China put five goals in Thailand's net on Saturday night to reach the semifinals of the women's soccer tournament at the ongoing Asian Games in Indonesia.
China's talisman Wang, who moved to French giants Paris Saint-Germain this summer, opened the scoring in the first half before adding two goals after the break to complete her goal haul.
Thailand managed to hold China at bay for 33 minutes but Han Peng picked out Wang with a pinpoint pass and the midfielder drew out the keeper before lifting the ball into the net.
Xiao Yuyi added a second with a quarter of an hour remaining with a crisp header, before Wang drilled the ball home from the edge of the penalty area with a first-time shot.
Wang Shuang (L) celebrates with Yang Lina as China reign supreme on the pitch at the Asian Games on August 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

Wang Shuang (L) celebrates with Yang Lina as China reign supreme on the pitch at the Asian Games on August 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

The PSG star then turned provider as she crossed for Gu Yasha to score with a sensational lob before Wang wrapped up her hat-trick to seal an emphatic win for the Steel Roses.
"We were a bit nervous at the start of the first half, but after the first goal we began to make some good passes and eventually we scored more goals," Wang said.
Jia Xiuquan's side next face Chinese Taipei while Japan will take on South Korea.