China’s Steel Roses out to erase bitter memories as they face US in Women’s World Cup quarter-finals
China captain Wu Haiyan was only six years old when “The Steel Roses” competed in their only Women’s World Cup final - the United States winning a penalty shootout to break Chinese hearts in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. Sixteen years on, a new-look Chinese side will be bidding to bury those painful memories against the “Stars and Stripes” in Friday’s quarter-finals at Ottawa’s Lansdowne Stadium.
China captain Wu Haiyan was only six years old when “The Steel Roses” competed in their only Women’s World Cup final.
On that occasion, their rivals the United States won a penalty shootout to break Chinese hearts in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl.
Sixteen years on, a new-look Chinese side will be bidding to bury those painful memories against the “Stars and Stripes” in Friday’s quarter-finals at Ottawa’s Lansdowne Stadium.
I was in primary school, but I remember watching it very well. That was when my dream started, when China played so well to reach the World Cup final. Sun Wen was my favourite player and my hero at that time
“I didn’t watch the match at that time. I watched replays later in life. It was an exciting and historical moment,” said the 22-year-old defender.
“I hope we can create history too.”
That run by China to the final inspired Wu’s teammate, Wang Shanshan, to take up football.
“I was in primary school, but I remember watching it very well. That was when my dream started, when China played so well to reach the World Cup final. Sun Wen was my favourite player and my hero at that time,” said the 25-year-old defender.
