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China’s women’s football team prepare for National Games after Tokyo Olympics humiliation
- Steel Roses to play at China National Games in Xian as ‘United Team’ under potential new head coach Shui Qingxia
- Only one change to squad that lost 5-0 to Brazil and 8-2 against Netherlands in Japan under Jia Xiuquan
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The Chinese women’s national football team are set to kick-off their China National Games campaign on Thursday as they look to shake off their disappointing performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
China’s women were beaten 5-0 by Brazil, drew 4-4 with Zambia and then lost 8-2 to the Netherlands in Japan, their worst performance at a Summer Games.
Their performance at the Olympics has led to further scrutiny on the “Steel Roses” as they prepare to compete at the National Games in Xian, one of the few China national teams to take part against the provinces.
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Olympic coach Jia Xiuquan has not yet been officially sacked but reports in China suggest the decision to relieve him of his duties has been taken and it is only a matter of time.
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The unpopular coach has been replaced by former Steel Roses player Shui Qingxia, who has been brought in to oversee the “United Team” during the National Games.
There is only one change to the squad from the Tokyo 2020 selection, where Guangdong player Zhong Xiudong has replaced the injured Chen Qiaozhu, also from Guangdong.
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