This article is a part of the Guardian’s Women’s World Cup 2023 Experts’ Network, which is a collaboration between top media organizations from the 32 qualifying countries. theguardian.com will be featuring previews from two countries each day leading up to the tournament’s start on July 20th.
Overview
With an expansion of the Women’s World Cup to include 32 teams, China had an easier path to qualification due to at least five spots available in the Asian Football Confederation (especially with Australia qualifying as hosts). After a 3-1 victory over Vietnam in the quarter-final of the 2022 AFC Asian Cup, the Steel Roses secured their place.
China’s momentum continued in the semi-finals against Japan, the defending champions, and in the final against South Korea. Now, 17 months later and under the guidance of head coach Shui Qingxia, China is ready to embark on their World Cup journey as the reigning Asian champions.
The China team and their tactics
Shui Qingxia’s tactics are adaptable, as seen in the different styles of play exhibited against Japan and South Korea compared to teams like Iran or Vietnam. This flexibility is embodied by captain Wang Shanshan, a veteran who switches between striker and center-back positions.
Group stage challenges
Denmark, Haiti, and England, the opponents China will face in Group D, represent a new level of challenge. Shui acknowledges the gap between Chinese and European teams, recognizing Europe’s prominence in women’s football. She understands the difficulties that lie ahead.
The coach, Shui Qingxia
Shui Qingxia was appointed as China’s first female head coach just two months before the 2022 AFC Asian Cup. Despite low expectations, she led the team to victory. This achievement, along with her playing career and seven Asian Cup titles, has made her a national hero.
Star player, Wang Shuang
Wang Shuang remains China’s standout performer and a key factor in their success. As a skilled attacking midfielder or second striker, she brings creativity to the team and inspired her teammates with her resilience and determination.
Rising star, Zhang Linyan
Zhang Linyan, a promising player from the Evergrande academy, is set to make her World Cup debut. Despite her small stature, she has adapted well to the physical demands of European football. Shui praises her presence both in attack and defense.
Interesting facts
Zhang Linyan announced her goal to surpass China’s golden generation led by Sun Wen on a TV program featuring David Beckham’s visit to China. Nine years later, after Zhang’s significant impact in the Asian Cup final, Beckham himself congratulated her. Now she is set to play against England’s Lionesses.
Women’s football in China
While the women’s national team is a source of national pride, women’s football generally receives little attention outside of major tournaments. The number of registered female players in China is believed to be low, making the success of the women’s team a point of comparison and motivation for the men’s team.
Realistic aim at the World Cup
Shui aims to advance to the quarter-finals, but she recognizes the challenge of qualifying for the knockout stage. The first match against Denmark is crucial, and finishing at the bottom of the group would be a disappointment. Haiti, with players in Division 1 Féminine, may prove to be stronger opponents than Zambia, who previously drew with China in the Tokyo Olympics.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
