Beijing - China made the history books to qualify for the final in
the Toulon soccer tournament after winning a penalty shootout against Cote
d'Ivoire in South France on June 7.
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China goalkeeper
Zeng Cheng celebrates the win. [Sina]
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Goalkeeper Zeng Cheng palmed out an
opponent effort in the fourth round shootout and helped China win 5-3 after both
sides failed to score within regular time.
Setting a seemingly unrealistic goal of winning the championship, China's
resolute coach Ratomir Dujkovic from Serbia said he is confident in leading the
team to victory.
The final is scheduled on June 9 between China and host France, who managed a
1-0 win against Portugal but the French will lose their captain who was sent off
after booked with two yellow cards.
China's entry into the finals is the country's best showing at this annual
youth soccer tournament since it first participated in the event in 1979. China
surprised Brazil with a 1-0 win to place third in 2004.