Chinese 'Steel Roses' target 'a step further' at upcoming World Cup

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The Chinese women's soccer team are hoping to surpass their performance at the last FIFA Women's World Cup in France, when they made it to the quarterfinals.

Prior to Saturday's practice session in Albufeira, Portugal, striker Wang Shanshan said, "We need to go step by step (at the World Cup), and fight for a spot in the knockout stage. After that, we hope to better the record four years ago."

China made into the World Cup quarterfinals in 2015 before losing to eventual winners United States 1-0.

"We want to display ourselves at the World Cup, and show everything that we've trained and learned over the past year at this stage," said defender Liu Shanshan.

China will take on Germany, South Africa and Spain in group matches at the quadrennial footballing event to kick off on June 7.

Emilie Haavi (L) of Norway, Gu Yasha (R) of China during the Algarve Cup in Albufeira Portugal, March 1, 2019. /VCG Photo

Earlier, China conceded a 3-1 defeat to Norway, sitting two places above them at the FIFA World Rankings, in Friday's debut at the 2019 Algarve Cup women's soccer invitational tournament.

China will face Denmark, also from north Europe resembling Norway in style of play, for group runner-up on Monday.

"The coach will lay out detailed tactics according to opponents' style. We need to fully make the most of our characters in restraining them," commented Liu, adding that loss to Norway still helps the team better prepare for the World Cup in less than 100 days to go.

"Every match offers a chance for us to learn. After all, we don't play against European teams so regularly," said Wang.

The Chinese women's national soccer team has been nicknamed as "Steel Roses" since the 1999 World Cup, when China achieved the best results ever to take the silver medal and gained the nation's overwhelming respect and love for their passion, perseverance as well as determination to win during the games.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency