Champions US held to draw by China

Sun Wen (9) celebrates after equalising for China

USA 1-1 China

Arch-rivals China and America are on the verge of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Olympics women's football tournament after a close-fought 1-1 draw.

The two - who were the Olympic finalists in Atlanta four years ago, when the US won on penalties - need only a point from their final matches to go through.

They are hotly tipped to meet again in the final.

China's captain Sun Wen and goalkeeper Gao Hong were the stars, the keeper making amends after an error had put the US ahead in the first half.

Norwegian captain Goeril Kringen (right) battles with Nigeria's Maureen Mmadu

But a dramatic 10-minute period in the middle of the second half decided the result.

First Sun scored a spectacular, David Beckham-style freekick and then Gao saved a late penalty.

Sun scored from more than 30 yards, curling round the American wall and into the top corner of the net to put the Chinese back on level terms.

Ten minutes later, Swiss referee Nicole Petignat controversially awarded the penalty for what looked like an accidental handball by Chinese defender Fan Yunjie.

Free header

But Gao easily saved midfielder Kristine Lilly's shot and then threw herself at Cindy Parlow's feet to block the rebound.

Gao had been badly at fault on America's first goal, coming off her line for a corner only to allow the ball to sail over her.

American skipper Julie Foudy was left with a free header at the back post to put the Americans ahead eight minutes from the break.

The US now have the easier task against Nigeria while China must take on Norway.

Safe

Norway beat the West African nation 3-1 in their match. They took a two-goal lead after strikes by Dagny Mellgren and Hege Rise, who scored from a penalty.

Nigerian substitute Mercy Akide pulled one back ten minutes from time but Marianne Petersen made the game safe with a glancing header in the final seconds.

Norway, winners of the bronze medal in Atlanta four years ago, have three points from two games - a point behind both the United States and China.