China National Men's Soccer Team (CNMST) set two world records in 2000, ranking top both in the number of goals averaged in each match and in goals in one single match., said a study report released by a local newspaper in Uruguay January 8.

Last year, CNMST scored 40 goals in its 11 formal and friendly matches, or an average of 3.63 goals in each match, a team that recorded the most goals in each match among representative teams from all countries and regions worldwide.

In the Asian Cup preliminary match held last year, China's national team defeated the Guam Team by 19:0, setting a record of goals scored in one single match. Later in the World Cup preliminary match held in November for 2002, Iran National Soccer Team beat Guam with the same score , thereby leveling off the above record.

The report said, a total of 405 formal and friendly matches took place last year among representative teams from various countries and regions across the world, of which most, or 198 matches, were held by European teams.

Viewed from the total number of goals, Honduras headed the list by achieving 45 goals in 17 matches, averaging 2.64 goals in each game. The placing of teams is arranged in order in accordance with the number of goals achieved: Honduras 45; Mexico 42; China 40; Brazil, US, Trinidad and Tobago all 32; France 29; the Netherlands 28; Portugal 27; Japan and Guatemala, both 26; Argentina, 24 and Nigeria and Uruguay both 15.

(People's Daily 01/08/01)