China were in tune last night when they recorded a 3-2 win over Denmark in Wuhan thanks to Song Xiaoli’s late goal. On a day when the women’s World Cup produced 18 goals in four matches, the fervour of the host nation was dampened when Cathrine Paaske Sorensen equalised three minutes from time. But Song, chesting the ball down, half-volleyed a brilliant shot into the top corner to incite euphoric scenes amid the 50,800 crowd.

Li Jie and Bi Yan had given China a two-goal advantage before Anne Dot Eggers Nielsen’s header reduced the arrears. It was a significant result because China, who are managed by Marika Domanski-Lyfors, the former Sweden coach, face Brazil in their next group D match on Saturday.

Brazil were in scintillating form as they demolished New Zealand 5-0, with Marta – the world player of the year – scoring twice in an awesome display of outlandish long-range shooting. Daniela, Cristiane and Renata Costa were also on target in the earlier kick-off at the Wuhan Sports Centre.

In group C, in Hangzhou, Australia lead the group after recording their first victory in a World Cup finals match, defeating Ghana 4-1. Sarah Walsh, Lisa De Vanna, with two, and Heather Garriock scored, with Anita Amankwa on target for Ghana.

Norway beat Canada 2-1, Ragnhild Gulbrandsen and Ane Stangeland-Horpestad scoring in the second half after Candace-Marie Chapman’s 33rd-minute header had put Canada ahead.

Today is a rest day before the teams in groups A and B play tomorrow. Germany, England’s opponents in Shanghai, may have established a record score for a women’s World Cup finals match by beating Argentina 11-0 on Monday, but Birgit Prinz, who scored a hat-trick, believes that Germany were below their best form. “I wouldn’t say we’ve hit anything like top form yet. We made far too many errors,” the striker, who equalled Michelle Akers’s record as all-time top scorer at the finals, with 12 goals, said. “Our remaining opponents will be stronger than Argentina.”

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