Women’s Asian Cup final: China aiming for record ninth regional title but South Korea eager to spoil the party
- Captain Wang Shanshan is happy to be China’s role model, saying extending their record was important to the players
- South Korea coach says he is unmoved by the fact that they have not beaten China in their past seven meetings
China will seek to make it a record-extending ninth football title when they face South Korea in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 202 final on Sunday and captain Wang Shanshan is determined to play her part.
China are undefeated in their previous seven meetings against the Koreans but Wang, while optimistic about her side’s chances, said they will not take the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, India for granted.
“I think tomorrow’s final will be very challenging for both teams and we have to emphasise not only on attacking but on our defensive strategy as well,” said Wang.
“On winning our ninth title, it is important for teams to set goals but we are just focusing on our preparations and winning tomorrow’s match. As captain, my role is to lead the team. It’s like being a role model – setting an example and encouraging the team in match situations.”
Wang and forward Wang Shuang have been China’s star performers with five goals each – with the skipper having scored in each of the team’s matches so far.