(Beijing, September 15) In today's first semifinal match of the 2007 Goalball Invitational Tournament between China and the United States, the host team managed to edge the US squad to qualify for the finals.

Prior to that, China defeated Finland in the quarterfinals, which was called by Chinese coach Zhang Yong "a historic breakthrough." With the same lineup for the group heats and quarterfinals, the Chinese team made up of Yao Yongquan, Cai Yonggui and Chen Liangliang rose to the challenge from their US opponents who are known for their great strength and threatening attacks. During the first six minutes China's Yao Yongquan scored three goals in a row, and the US players counterattacked with a fast played to turn the score to 5-2.

In the second half, the powerful attacks from the US team brought much trouble to the Chinese side. Within two minutes the USA scored twice in succession, 5-4. After a time-out China seized a penalty throw to score one more goal and managed to keep the score till the end of the game.