China, New Zealand Draw 1-1 at Soccer Friendly

Captain Zheng Zhi scored an sensational goal as China drew with New Zealand 1-1 at an international soccer friendly here on Friday.
The veteran blasted a thunderbolt half-volley into the upper corner of the far post from 25 meters with his left foot to beat a helpless keeper Jake Gleeson in the 42nd minute.
Zheng Zhi could have made a brace before the end of the interval with another magic goal, but a focused Gleeson denied his wicked lob shot from the edge of the penalty area with a nice back-diving tipover.
Leicester City striker Chris Wood made a late equaliser in the 86th mintue with a bullet header following a pinpoint left wing center.
China took some advantage over their rival for most part of the game. A living left back Jiang Zhipeng and in-form Hao Junmin produced a series of threatening crosses, but Wu Lei and Sun Ke squandered them with some shots not far away from the target.
The Kiwis fought hard on the pitch and created several good opportunities, but keeper Wang Dalei made some nice diving saves to hold the scoreboard.
Besides the goal, the visitors had a clear chance on 32 minutes with a header inside the box to rattle the far post, but Wang Dalei held the rebound tightly with good luck.
China used this match as a warmup for next year's AFC Asian Cup Australia, and will play Honduras four days later in Xi'an. In December, China will play three friendlies with Kyrgyzstan and Palestine, and the will last entertain Oman on Jan. 5 before their first Group B game against Saudi Arabia at the Asian football showpiece event in Australia.