Gao Hongbo named head coach of Chinese national team

BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has named former star striker Gao Hongbo as head coach of the national team.

Gao is the first Chinese national team boss that was chosen through an open election procedure, which includes four native candidates. Gao finally beat Wu Jingui, Yin Tiesheng and Shen Xiangfu to take the position.

The 43-year-old is facing a tough task in his debut. China will play European runners-up Germany in Shanghai on May 29.

Gao was a big name in his professional life as a footballer. He was a prolific striker who was famous for his agility in the box and fine ability in finishing.

After hanging up boots in 1998, he started his coaching career with several Chinese clubs, and he was an assistant of Dutchman Arie Haan in the national team between 2002 and 2004. Gao made hisbiggest achievement as a coach in 2007, as he led Changchun Yatai to take the title of the CSL(Chinese Super League).

The CFA has also named Liu Chunming as the head coach of the Olympic team, and Su Maozhen as the U19 side. Zhang Ning will take the U17 team.

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Auriemma appointed U.S. womens basketball team coach

WASHINGTON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Geno Auriemma has been named the U.S. women's national basketball team coach for the next three years, USA Basketball announced on Wednesday.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said Auriemma was the best choice.

"There is no better coach in America than Geno Auriemma and we are delighted to be able to have a coach of his calibre lead our women's national team program through the 2012 Olympic Games," he said.

Auriemma won six NCAA championships with the University of Connecticut.

The Italy-born Auriemma was assistant coach of the U.S. women's team which claimed the gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

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