Norway beat China 1-0 to finish fifth in the Algarve Cup women's football competition in Albufeira, Portugal on Wednesday.

Midfielder Trine Ronning scored the winner for Norway in the 75th minute when her lightning shot pierced China's defense and Chinese goalkeeper Han Wenxia could do nothing but watch the ball fly past her.

Norway changed to play a tight-marking and aggressive game after a dull first half, keeping their Chinese rivals at bay.

China's defense, which had nullified Norway's numerous attacks, finally succumbed with a quarter to go when Ronning stepped in from midfield to drive a 25-meter shot past Han.

"I expected something bad would happen when my side were put under siege by Norway's attacks," said Chinese head coach Ma Liangxing.

"Under such circumstances, my players cannot hold on for a longtime. Norway would score sooner or later. We lost to a better team today," he added.

China had chance to equalize in the 87th minute when substitute Sun Wen's solo run was thwarted by the daunting Norwegian goalkeeper Bente Nordby.

(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2006)