Zhang Yuning becomes first Chinese to score in Dutch league

Forward Zhang Yuning scored his first goal, also the maiden goal for a Chinese footballer, in Dutch top flight league, propelling Vitesse Arnhem to a 2-1 victory over Roda JC in Kerkrade.

The 19-year-old on Sunday scored the winner in the 91st minute, three minutes after he was pitched on as a substitute when Vitesse Arnhem and Roda JC seemed to see the game end with a 1-1 draw, reports Xinhua.

Zhang received a cross from the right and headed in the winner in stoppage time, collecting three points away for Vitesse Arnhem, who are lifted to sixth place on the table after the match, one point behind FC Utrecht and 15 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven.

The Chinese striker, who joined the Dutch club last July, becomes the first ever Chinese to find the net in the Dutch league. Zhang, considered as a future star by Chinese national team interim coach Gao Hongbo, was called up to national team the first time in February for China's remaining two World Cup qualifiers against Maldives and Qatar.

After the victory, Vitesse has seen the hope of Europa League berth alive.

"I did not expect much when I was put on as a substitute and I just needed to do my best to play my time well. It's really a gift for me to see a goal under my name," Zhang said after match.

"What's really important for us is the full three points. What matters to me and my team is the victory."