Coach Shui takes on pressure as China keep last 16 hopes alive
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[July 29, 2023]
By Michael Church
ADELAIDE (Reuters) - China coach Shui Qingxia brought her Asian
Cup-winning team to Australia hoping to move a step closer to
restoring the Steel Roses to their former glories, more than two
decades after losing to the United States in the Women's World Cup
final.
The Chinese have struggled to hit similar heights since their 1999
shootout defeat, but a 1-0 win over Haiti on Friday ensures they go
into their final group game at this year's event against England
with their chances of a last 16 berth intact.
China have appeared in all but one of the eight previous editions of
the Women's World Cup since it was launched in 1991 and have never
failed to progress beyond the group phase when they have qualified
for the finals.
But a last-minute 1-0 loss in their opener against Denmark in Perth
last Saturday put that record in peril, with Shui's team facing
early elimination should they have failed to defeat tournament
debutants Haiti at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The omens were not good when Zhang Rui was sent off in the 29th
minute but a penalty 16 minutes from time by substitute Wang Shuang
secured victory for the Chinese and sustained their prospects of a
place in the knockout rounds.
"When we arrived in Australia for the World Cup, I told the players
not to feel pressured," Shui, a silver medalist for China at the
1996 Olympic Games, said after the game.
"I can take up all the pressure, so long as you display your skills
during our daily training and practice. Play the game with a good
mood and that's the best that you can show to the world.
"I have encouraged my girls to show their skills, especially because
it's the first World Cup for some of them."
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Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup
Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group D - China v Haiti - Hindmarsh
Stadium, Adelaide, Australia - July 28, 2023 China coach Shui
Qingxia gives instructions to Lou Jiahui and teammates after Zhang
Rui is shown a red card REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Shui has been responsible for an uptick in China's
fortunes since taking over in November 2021, resurrecting belief in
the team after a disastrous performance at the Olympic Games in 2021
that saw them finish bottom of their group.
She led China to their first Asian Cup win since 2006 in India three
months after her appointment and now takes them into a make-or-break
meeting with European champions England on Tuesday knowing a win
could take them into the last 16.
England top Group D on six points with Denmark and China on three
and Haiti bottom after losing their two games.
"England is a very strong team," said Shui. "I don't want to make
comparisons between the Asian champions and the European champions.
Every team has their own characteristics.
"For Team China, lots of people want to see a different Chinese
team. I also hope to see my players play to their potential and
fight for every opportunity."
(Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Ken Ferris)
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