China downs Croatia 3-1 in U18 soccer tourney

China beat Croatia 3-1 in their opener at the four-nation under-18 soccer tournament in Qinhuangdao on Tuesday.

Jiang Jinxian opened the score for China before Croatia made it even at the 11th minute.

The 1-1 stalemate lasted until the 67th minute when defender Gao Zhunyi scored on a corner kick. Liu Haidong wrapped up China's tally 15 minutes later by converting a penalty shot, awarded after Gan Tiecheng was brought down in the box.

In the day's other game, Mexico routed South Korea 4-0.