China football coach tours venue in World Cup opener

World
Europe

01:11

Chinese women's football head coach Jia Xiuquan toured the football facilities in Rennes on Monday, where China will take on Germany in the Group B opener on June 8 according to the draw for 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in Paris last Sunday.

The match is set to be held at Roazhon Park stadium. Jia inspected the venue and training ground, taking a close look at the grass, and shared his observations via WeChat to his players who are training in Australia currently.

To thoroughly prepare for the FIFA showpiece event, the 55-year-old coach also visited the hotel where his squad will stay at during the 2019 World Cup, including living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.

Steffi Jones picks out China during the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 Draw at La Seine Musicale in Paris, France, December 8, 2018. /VCG Photo

"The meals consumed before and after matches are very important for the players, especially at a tournament like the World Cup, and we are paying special attention to helping the players eat scientifically," said Jia.

Since his takeover of Chinese women's football team in May this year, Jia led the "Steel Roses" to silver at the Jakarta Asian Games. This is the team's seventh trip to the World Cup. They have reached at least the quarter-finals in each previous appearance.

Placed in Group B, China's opening opponents are the Germans, who won back-to-back Women's World Cups in 2003 and 2007 respectively. The Spaniards made their debut at this event in 2015, while the South Africans will do likewise next summer.