Screen shot of China's Tan Ruyin.

China Picks Up First Group Win in 2-0 Victory over South Africa

China PR defeated South Africa, 2-0, to win its first game in Group E play on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The three points keeps China’s hopes of advancing into the quarterfinals alive.

Gu Yasha put the Steel Roses up in first-half stoppage time on a darting run into the box from the left.

In the 87th minute, Tan Ruyin scored a highlight-reel worthy goal from roughly 40 yards out, beating South Africa’s Roxanne Barker to double the lead.

Up Next

China faces Sweden on Tuesday in Brasilia. Both teams sit on three points, and the winner of this match will likely finish second in the group. South Africa will face group leader Brazil in Manaus. Brazil crushed Sweden, 5-1, in the later game on Saturday.