The U.S. women’s national team played to a 0-0 tie with host China at the Guangzhou International Tournament on Jan. 21. It was the first meeting between the two countries since the USA’s victory in the 1996 Olympic gold-medal match. In a game that was played during steady rainfall on a muddy field, the Americans outshot China 15-5, but were unable to turn that advantage into a victory. “It was a tough game because both teams like to play a technical style,” said U.S. midfielder Julie Foudy. “But because of the mud, it was really hard to play, and it became a battle of wills. I think we won the battle, but just couldn’t score.” Keeper Gao Hong was the star of the match for China, making seven saves. She punched away Tiffeny Milbrett’s cross in the 16th minute an instant before it would have connected with Mia Hamm; she threw her body at Kristine Lilly’s feet to block a shot at an open net after Brandi Chastain had gotten behind the Chinese defense and laid off a perfect pass on the ground; she made a spectacular save on Shannon MacMillan in the 65th minute, denying the U.S. midfielder’s one-on-one opportunity with a flying block. The U.S. narrowly missed another opportunity when a 52nd minute corner kick flew over Hong’s head, but Tisha Venturini’s diving header went off the left post. “It was a well-played match for the conditions,” said U.S. coach Tony DiCicco. “Both teams played with class and showed why they are two of the world’s best. We created enough chances to win, and we need to put one away, but their goalkeeper had a couple of great saves and overall it was a fair result.” U.S. keeper Briana Scurry made five saves herself, including a superb diving stop to push a Chinese shot wide in the 36th minute. “Our defense was organized and Briana played a very solid match in goal,” said Chastain. “China is a great team and there is no shame in tying them in their country, but we need to come back against Norway and put some of our opportunities in the net.” The U.S. meets Norway for the tournament title on Jan. 24. The Norwegians edged rival Sweden 2-1 in the second game of the Jan. 21 doubleheader. The U.S. must beat Norway to claim the championship, while a tie will give the Scandinavians the title. Jan. 21 in Guangzhou China 0 USA 0. China — Gao Hong, Xie Huilin, Fan Yunjie, Wang Jingxia, Li Jie, Zhao Lihong, Liu Ying (Zhang Ouying, 63), Qiu Haiyan, Sun Wen, Mo Chenyue (Ba Jie, 86), Jin Yan. USA — Scurry, Overbeck, Chastain, Fawcett, Foudy, Venturini (Fair, 71), Lilly, MacMillan, Milbrett (Keller, 68), Parlow (Roberts, 50), Hamm. Yellow cards: Lilly 53, MacMillan 71. Referee: Chen Honghui (China). Att.: 3,200. OTHER RESULTS Norway 2 Sweden 1
Standings
| Team | GP | W | T | L | GF | GA | P |
| Norway | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| USA | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| China | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Sweden | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 |