The performance of the Chinese national soccer team in the Women's World Cup has reignited the country's enthusiasm for a game once tarnished by lackluster international results and corruption scandals.

For soccer fans long starved for winning results, China's 1-0 win over Cameroon on Saturday greatly enhanced the celebratory mood of Dragon Boat Festival. The victory earned the team a quarterfinal berth at the prestigious tournament in Canada.

"No matter how far they go, these women deserve applause for their dedication, persistence and hard work during a tough time for the game in China," Shen Fangjiang, a China Central Television commentator, said after the game.