Late Dong goal salvages draw for China

China's Chen Tao(left) dribbled past New Zealand defender (Photo Credit: Xinhua)Photo Gallery>>(SHENYANG, August 7) -- China substitute Dong Fangzhuo scored a late header to salvage a 1-1 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group C match at Shenyang Olympic Stadium on Thursday.

Midfielder Zheng Zhi (CHN), who plays for Charlton in the English Premier League, inspired his team to secure a point after China conceded a goal eight minutes into the second half.

The match featured eight cautions and New Zealand were reduced to 10 men in the 39th minute when referee Martin Vazquez (URU) gave Steven Old a second yellow card.

But despite being a man short, Jeremy Brockie put New Zealand ahead, driving home from the edge of the penalty box after a through pass from Michael Boxall.

China had the best of the first half, but Gao Lin headed over the crossbar in the 15th minute. At the other end 12 minutes later, a free header by Simon Elliott (NZL) also failed to find the net.

China continued to dominate during the second half, but had few chances to draw level. A shot by Jiang Ning in the 67th minute was saved by goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley (NZL).

Dong scored in the 88th minute to keep China's hopes alive to reach the next round.

China plays Belgium in Shenyang on Sunday, August 10.