BEIJING, May 23 -- China was challenging France by the semi-finals, where the hosts were in the driver's seat most of the time.

French's footballer,left, challenges for the ball with China's Liu Jianye, during their match in the Under-21 Toulon soccer Tournament, in La Londe, southern France, Tuesday, May 23, 2006.

However, the underdog team tried all means possible to rally against their powerful rivals, and might have managed to do so until an own goal at 70 minutes set the losing tune.

France extended their lead to a second goal during injury time, setting the score at 2-0 to reach the final.

China will face Portugal again to decide 3-4. The two teams played a goalless draw during their encounter at the group stage.

(Source: China Daily)