China to take up Russia at International Women's Football Tournament

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The China Women's National Football Team will take up its Russian counterpart – the first rival of the International Women's Football Tournament in Wuhan Thursday night.

Earlier before the official team training held on Tuesday, the head coach Jia Xiuquan spoke to the media about the recent training. “We have mainly focused on enhancing tactics during the first half of the month, and forged a lineup with an intensified overall transition, especially the offense/defense match-up.”

Jia Xiuquan, head coach of the China Women's National Football Team, briefs the media at the International Women's Football Tournament. /VCG Photo

“This event is also preparing the team for the World Cup," said Jia about the upcoming tournament.

Jia added that the event invited Russian, Cameroon and Croatian women's football teams, which could simulate other teams, such as Russia simulating European teams and Cameroon simulating South Africa. Therefore, the event is “somewhat targeted,” Jia said.

Jia hoped that China could get a better understanding of the opponents in the World Cup by confronting these simulated competitors, and, therefore, show a well-rounded team in the World Cup that has passed an intensive period of training, which allowed the players to gain an in-depth understanding of each other.

Chinese football player Wang Shuang, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, arrived in Wuhan on Tuesday and met with the team preparing for the Tournament.

Wang Shuang of Paris Saint Germain during an interview on February 7, 2019 in Paris, France. /VCG Photo

When asked about the current injury by the media, the 24-year-old responded she has recovered very well and is full of expectations for this warm-up for the 2019 Paris World Cup kicking off in June.

"The World Cup is approaching, and I hope to be able to work with everyone further,” she said.

Wang said she would listen to Coach Jia's layout of tactics – the requirements for forwards and running positions and whether to stand in offense or defense. At present, she shall focus on the game, listen and think, she said.

(With input from Sports Scene)