Football: Lampard gives Chelsea win as Scolari era starts in China

Luiz Felipe Scolari's refusal to rise to Sir Alex Ferguson's bait was understandable given the Brazilian's own experience of managing teams around the world and he will have been quietly encouraged by his new team's display here at the Guangdong Olympic stadium yesterday. Guangzhou Pharmaceutical may not have provided the sternest of tests but Chelsea were slick and inventive in midfield, with Michael Essien outstanding and Deco impressive in flashes. The visitors scored four and struck the woodwork three times, while the sight of Frank Lampard chipping a fine second goal from distance would also have cheered the former Brazil and Portugal coach. "This was a good game for us and it's always good to start with a win, even if the team isn't playing at its best as yet," said Scolari. "We had some difficulties, physically but... [read full story]