Asian Champions China High On Confidence Ahead Of Women’s World Cup

After gaining confidence by winning the Asian Cup last year, China dreams of lifting the trophy at the Women’s World Cup under coach Shui Qingxia.

China won its first title in 16 years when the team beat South Korea in the Asian Cup final in 2022. The team will play at its eighth World Cup this year, with Shui’s side in Group D with England, Denmark and Haiti.

“Of course, we have a long way to go, but definitely, we can allow ourselves to dream of winning the World Cup,” Shui said, according to an interview with FIFA. “There is a glimmer of hope in that thought, and if we could do that, it would be one of the best things ever!

“However, we are taking things one step at a time, and I hope that throughout this World Cup, we can measure the progress made by our team against nations from Europe and make sure that we close the gap to those strong nations.”

China came close to winning the title at the 1999 World Cup, where the team finished runners-up behind the United States after losing 5-4 on penalties in the final.

Shui said the team has a lot to improve, and players will try to put their best foot forward at the tournament, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

“We’ve gained a lot of confidence from winning the Asian Cup last year, and I want us to express that on a bigger stage and show the style of this Chinese team,” the 56-year-old said.

“Naturally, any nation that qualifies for the World Cup is a tough opponent, but with England having won the European Championships, they will be very difficult. Denmark is another strong European nation that didn’t lose a single match in qualification, and although Haiti is somewhat unknown to us, so is China to them.”

World Cup Experience

Shui boasts World Cup experience, having played at the maiden edition in 1991. She is also the first former Chinese female footballer to be made the national team coach.

“When I think back to that first World Cup, it was a very exciting time, although very different,” Shui said. “Now, as a coach, it’s a great challenge as well, though time has flown by.

“The game has also changed a lot where now we can see women’s football is growing so fast, more girls are playing football, and that’s a very good thing.

“Football has given me a lot, and I hope that young people continue to enjoy the sport and that, through this World Cup, our players can also experience the joy of it as I did as a player.”

Good Blend

Shui named her final squad on Thursday, including nine players with World Cup experience, such as captain Wang Shanshan and striker Wang Shuang.

Veterans Zhang Rui and Wu Haiyan are also in the squad, along with Tang Jiali, who was nominated for the Best Young Player award in 2015. Fourteen players will be playing at their first World Cup, including teenage Celtic star Shen Mengyu.