China lost their World Cup qualifying opener to tournament favorites New Zealand 4-1 Wednesday night in Changzhou of eastern Jiangsu province.

New Zealand began their tournament in fine style by scoring four goals in the opening half against hosts China.

Three goals in eight minutes leading into halftime did the damage for New Zealand, with Philip Burrows netting twice in the half, the first courtesy of a piece of individual magic in which he dragged around the goalkeeper before netting one handed from a tight angle.

However, China did not give up. Liu Xiantang scored one goal for the hosts in the second half.

In other matches, favorites Pakistan and England have both won their respective matches without much difficulty, France wrestled co-favorites South Korea to a draw.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)