The Chinese women's national football team lifted the trophy of the Wuhua Four-Nation tournament in Meizhou, south China's Guangdong Province, after beating the Republic of Korea (ROK) 1-0 in the final on Sunday.
In the first round of the tournament, China and the ROK beat Nigeria and Romania 3-0 respectively, and in the final round, the African champions finished third with a 4-1 win over the Europeans.
In the beginning phase of the all-Asian clash, the "Steel Roses," facing ROK side's pressing tactic, seemed maladjusted as their rivals made several dangerous situations in the box.
The Chinese side, however, seized a chance in the 15th minute with Gu Yasha firing the ball into the far corner after Wang Shuang's corner kick was deflected by the crowd in the box.
Gu Yasha (L) of China in action during the match against the ROK side in CFA Team China International Women's Football Tournament Meizhou Wuhua 2019, Meizhou, Guangdong, south China, January 20, 2019 /VCG Photo
The ROK team went all-out but in vain as China led the 1-0 score until the end.
After the tournament, China's head coach Jia Xiuquan said, "We have played two tough games against two strong teams in this tournament. It is a great opportunity for us to warm up before the upcoming World Cup."
China is in "Death" Group B with Germany, Spain, and South Africa in the upcoming 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.
Jia has told the media that China's aim is to enter the knockout stage.
(With input from Xinhua News Agency)