SAINT-PIERRE, Reunion Island (AP) — France lost 1-0 to China in its final warmup match before the start of the World Cup in South Africa.
Deng Zhuo Xiang scored the winning goal in the 68th minute with a swerving free kick from 25 yards.
The result dealt a blow to France’s confidence as the 2006 World Cup finalist has conceded a goal in each of its last three friendlies while scoring just three times overall.
France drew 1-1 with Tunisia last weekend and beat Costa Rica 2-1 last month. It will open its World Cup campaign against Uruguay on June 11 before taking on Mexico and host South Africa in Group A.
China failed to qualify for the World Cup and was missing several regulars.
