China equalized Japan 2-2 in the East Asian Football Federation Men's Championship on Wednesday night at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium.

In the first half of the game, Chinese player Li Jinyu and Zhang Yonghai scored two goals, raising the hope that China may beat its long time rival.

In the 36th minute, Li Jinyu dove in front of the goal mouth to head a cross from Zhao Xuri as the ball went past Japanese goalkeeper Narazaki Seigo.

Midfielder Zhang Yonghai added another goal by heading a curled free kick by Wang Liang in the 42nd minute.

However, in the second half, the Japanese team strengthened its offensive, posting threats several times in front of the gate of Chinese team. At the same time, it seemed there were some problems with Chinese team's defense.

Japanese defender Moniwa Teruyuki pounced on a ball rebounding from Chinese goalkeeper Li Leilei's hand and headed it into the net in the 57th minute, giving the first blow to the Chinese team.

Japanese Tanaka Tatsuya canceled the Chinese advantage by scoring another goal four minutes before the final whistle.

China is to take on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at Daegu World Cup Statdium on Sunday.

Last Sunday, the Chinese squad played a 1-1 draw with South Korea while Japanese team was defeated by the DPRK 1-0.

Editor: Donald