China’s Steel Roses book ticket to Tokyo 2020 after Wang Shuang heroics against South Korea

Women’s national team draw 2-2 in Suzhou after being 2-0 down to South Korea at half-time of play-off second leg

Former PSG player Wang Shuang scores three of China’s four goals across the two games to secure Olympic berth

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Chinas Wang Shanshan (left) and South Korea’s Cho So-hyun compete for the ball during the qualifying play-off second leg women’s football match for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Suzhou. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:48pm, 13 Apr 2021Updated: 7:09pm, 13 Apr 2021

China’s “Steel Roses” left it late to book their tickets to Tokyo coming from behind against South Korea in the Olympic qualifier in Suzhou.

Former Paris St Germain footballer Wang Shuang proved the match-winner, scoring both of China’s goals in a 2-2 draw on the day and a 4-3 win on aggregate.

South Korea took the lead after 31 minutes through Kang Chae-rim, levelling the scores on aggregate, with teammate Choe Yu-ri netting on the stroke of half-time to put one foot on the plane.

However, China’s former PSG player Wang scored a free kick on 69 minutes to get the Steel Roses back into the tie and with the scores unchanged at the final whistle, taking the game to extra time.

Chinese players celebrate after scoring during their second leg playoff qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Suzhou, Jiangsu province in April. Photo: AFP

It was Wang again who proved the difference in the first additional period, scoring just before half-time in extra time with a shot from outside the area after being set up by Wang Shanshan.