China was challenging France in the semi-finals, where the hosts were in the driver's seat most of the time.

However, the underdog team tried all means possible to rally against their powerful rivals, and might have managed to do so until an own goal at 70 minutes set the losing tune.

France extended their lead to a second goal during injury time, setting the score at 2-0 to reach the final.

China will face Portugal again to decide 3-4. The two teams played a goalless draw during their encounter at the group stage.

(CRI English May 23, 2006)