Gao Lin's header secured China a 1-1 draw with Paraguay at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre. Lucas Barrios put the visiting side ahead just seven minutes into the game before Gao levelled in the 38th minute as the hosts held the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finalists.

Paraguay took an early lead when Barrios nodded in after Roque Santa Cruz's header from Nestor Camacho's cross came back off the bar. Gao started to prove more of a threat to the visitors' defence as the half wore on and he equalised seven minutes before the break when he headed Feng Rinliang's cross past keeper Justo Villar.

Feng called Villar into action again two minutes later with a spectacular long-range effort that the keeper palmed away. Barrios had the ball in the net for a second time midway through the second period but he had strayed offside and Chen Tao squandered a golden opportunity with just under 20 minutes to go when he missed an open goal following a goalmouth scramble.

"It was really a pleasure to score a goal against a superb team like Paraguay," said Gao afterwards. "We didn't fear such a strong side because we had good wingers who could deliver excellent passes."

China coach Gao Hongbo lamented some wasteful finishing from his side. "It was a pity that we failed to convert any of the clear-cut chances during the second half," he said. "We need more victories in future to boost our confidence."

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino was disappointed his men failed to capitalise on their early goal. "We lost our control of the game after China scored the equaliser," he said. "I am not satisfied with our second-half play and it was obvious that China dominated the last 45 minutes."