China ‘realistic’ over Fifa Women’s World Cup expectations as ‘group of death’ looms for Asian champions
- Coach Shui Qingxia knows opening clash against Denmark on July 22 will be crucial to China’s hopes of reaching knockout stages
- ‘Everyone wants to achieve more, but it is better to be more realistic. We should do the best we can in our group,’ she says
China were riding high after a dramatic Asian Cup final triumph last year but a string of mediocre recent results and being drawn in a tough group has tempered expectations ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
The Steel Roses were runners up at the third Women’s World Cup in 1999 but their stock has fallen in recent years and coach Shui Qingxia believes getting out of a group that also features European champions England, Denmark and debutants Haiti would be a success.
“The goal of the World Cup is definitely to go as far as possible, preferably to take the title,” Shui told the Beijing Evening News.
“This wish is good, everyone wants to achieve more, but it is better to be more realistic. We should do the best we can in our group and try to get to the knockout stages.”
With England clear favourites to win the group, Shui thinks China’s progress is likely to hinge on the outcome of their opening match against the Danes in Perth on July 22.