Chinese young striker Xu Yuan scored an opener in her team's 2-1 win over European powerhouse Sweden at the Olympic women's soccer in Tianjin on Wednesday.

The Chinese Steel Roses edged European powerhouse Sweden 2-1 in their opening match of the Olympic women's soccer tournament in Tianjin on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. [sina.com]

"I would gift the goal to my parents," the 23-year-old Xu told Xinhua. "I have scored seven goals in recent warm-up games, but this one is most precious."

"I am confident on scoring more goals in next match," she said.

Born in Chongqing, a big city in southwest China, Xu played soccer in 1998 when she was 13 year old.

"Xu's physical condition is not as good as other women soccer players," Coach Shang Rihua said. "But she is very clever."

Taking the reins in March after Frenchwoman Elisabeth Loisel was dismissed, Shang has injected some fresh faces into his squad and hoped to rebuild teamwork and confidence.

Standing out among these young talents is Xu, who scored the only goal in China's opening game against hosts Vietnam in Asian Cup 2008.

Xu sometimes plays as a playmaker like former star Sun Wen as she has good technique and wide vision.

"She is a player who uses her head," Sun Wen commented over the player. "She has good vision and is very clever in front of goal."

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)