China were riding high after a dramatic Asian Cup final triumph last year, but a string of mediocre results and being drawn in a tough group has tempered expectations ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Steel Roses were runners-up at the third Women’s World Cup in 1999, but their stock has fallen and coach Shui Qingxia believes getting out of a group that also features European champions England, Denmark and debutants Haiti would be a success.
“The goal of the World Cup is definitely to go as far as possible, preferably to take the title,” Shui told the Beijing Evening News.
Photo: AP
“This wish is good, everyone wants to achieve more, but it is better to be more realistic. We should do the best we can in our group and try to get to the knockout stages,” she said.
With England clear favorites to win the group, Shui thinks China’s progress is likely to hinge on the outcome of their opening match against Denmark in Perth, Australia, on July 22.
China’s goals are likely to come from striker Wang Shuang, the 2018 Asian Women’s Footballer of the Year who plays for Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Versatile captain Wang Shanshan has scored 55 goals for her country, but can also play in defense, while midfielder Tang Jiali will also be crucial to their campaign.
China came close to winning the World Cup in 1999 when they were beaten in a shoot-out by hosts the US, but a torrid run of form suggests a similar run in Australia and New Zealand is unlikely.
China have won just once — a victory over Taiwan in July last year — since claiming the Asian Cup.
In four matches this year they have drawn two and lost two, scoring only one goal in a 4-1 defeat by Sweden.
Shui is keen not to put too much weight on the World Cup and says the Asian Games on home soil later this year, as well as the Paris Olympics next year, if China qualify, offer other opportunities for success.
“Every game in each tournament is tough, and we will set our goals and work hard toward them,” she said.
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