Summary:
Mumbai, Jan 23 (PTI) Eight-time champions China further underlined their title credentials, cruising to a 7-0 win over Iran in their Group A match of the AFC Women"s Asian Cup here on Sunday.
Wang Shuang scored a birthday hat-trick as Shui Qingxia"s side continued their blistering start to the tournament and set their sights towards the latter stages of the competition.
The result leaves Iran"s quarter-final ambitions hinging on Wednesday"s clash against Chinese Taipei, which is likely to be pivotal to both sides" knockout hopes.
The Steel Roses returned to the scene of Thursday"s 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei eager to build on their fast start, and they quickly assumed control against a deep-lying Iranian defence.
Wang Shanshan forced a strong save from Zohreh Koudaei in the 10th minute, and the star goalkeeper got down low to deny the Chinese captain once again five minutes later, continuing the form which saw her voted Player of the Match in Thursday"s 0-0 draw against India.
It seemed that it would take something special to beat Iran"s number one, and that"s exactly what Wang Shuang provided in the 28th minute, picking out the bottom corner with a perfectly directed left-footed effort from the edge of the box to celebrate her 27th birthday in style.