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Switzerland beats China 4-1 in World Cup warmup

(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-04 08:28

ZURICH, Switzerland - Switzerland got a good send off to the World Cup on Saturday with a 4-1 warmup win over China.

Strikers Alexander Frei and Marco Streller each scored two goals to boost Switzerland after two straight draws against Ivory Coast and Italy.

Frei opened the scoring after 40 minutes, tapping in Raphael Wicky's pass from close range.

Streller doubled the lead just after halftime. China goalkeeper Liu Leilei attempted to punch the ball, which bounced off the charging Streller and into the goal.

Frei scored a penalty two minutes later _ his 25th goal in 45 matches for the national team _ after Ludovic Magnin was fouled in the box and Streller completed the scoring in the 73rd. He beat the offside trap and dribbled around the onrushing Liu to roll the ball into the empty net.

China substitute Dong Fangzhuo scored a late consolation goal.

Coach Koebi Kuhn made several changes to the side that drew 1-1 against Italy on Wednesday, resting defenders Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou, who both picked up minor knocks.

Frei had the first clear scoring chance after 13 minutes when Chinese defender Xu Yunlong slipped in possession 20 yards (meters) from his own goal. Frei pounced on the loose ball, but sent his shot wide with only the Liu to beat.

Liu saved Ludovic Magnin's bouncing free kick minutes later after the ball missed everyone and bounced just in front of goal. David Degen also had a shot deflected by Liu.

China appeared happy to keep 10 men behind the ball and look for counterattack opportunities, but almost shocked the hosts after 25 minutes.

Han Peng outjumped Magnin at a free kick, but his header struck the inside of the post and was knocked to safety.

Xu Lian had a chance to equalize Frei's opening goal in first-half injury time, but missed with a free header from six yards (meters).

China's attack folded in the second half as the hosts stepped up the pressure.

Hakan Yakin _ who was surprisingly left out of Switzerland's World Cup squad, but now appears likely to replace injured striker Johan Vonlanthen _ came on as a late substitute.

Lineups:

Switzerland: Pascal Zuberbuehler (Diego Benaglio, 46), Ludovic Magnin, Stephane Grichting, Patrick Mueller (Hakan Yakin, 71), Valon Behrami (Phillip Degen, 42), David Degen, Johann Vogel (Xavier Margairaz, 46), Raphael Wicky (Christoph Spycher, 46), Ricardo Cabanas (Blerim Dzemaili, 63), Alexander Frei, Marco Streller.

China: Liu Leilei, Li Weifeng, Yang Cao, Ji Mingyi, Xu Yunlong (Zhang Yaokun, 80), Zheng Zhi (Zhao Xuri, 67), Zhao Junzhe (Li Tie, 80), Xu Liang (Yan Song, 67), Gao Lin (Shi Jun, 56), Han Peng (Dong Fangzhuo, 56), Li Jinyu.