Gao Chen of China takes a shot during the 1-1 draw with South Korea at Kashima Soccer Stadium in Kashima City, Japan, July 23, 2022. (ZHANG XIAOYU / XINHUA)

TOKYO - China drew with South Korea 1-1 in the women's 2022 East Asian Football Championships at the Kashima Soccer Stadium here on Saturday.

In February, China had rallied to beat South Korea 3-2 in AFC Women's Asian Cup final. Before the East Asian Football Championship, some South Korean players said they wanted to take the chance to revenge

In February, China had rallied to beat South Korea 3-2 in AFC Women's Asian Cup final. Before the East Asian Football Championship, some South Korean players said they wanted to take the chance to revenge.

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South Korea took the initiative in the match's opening stages, putting China under pressure in the first ten minutes. Choe Yu-ri opened the scoring for South Korea in the 34th minute from inside the box.

By the end of the first half, China had not had any shots on goal.

China's star striker Wang Shuang came off the bench in the 65th minute for her first appearance since she was injured five months ago. In the 76th minute, China's Wang Linlin equalized with a tap in after a piercing pass from Xiao Yuyi.

"The level of the two teams is close in today's game. I think our performance is OK," said China coach Shui Qingxia after the match.

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In the tournament's other match on Saturday, Japan defeated Chinese Taipei 4-1.

So far, hosts Japan top the four-team table with two wins, followed by China with 4 points, South Korea on 1 point and Chinese Taipei with no points.

On July 26, China will face Japan in a match that will decide the tournament winner.