Peng Shimeng, a goalkeeper who played for the Guangdong Women's Football Team on Aug. 20, became the starting goalkeeper of the Chinese Women's Football Team in her early 20s, participating in the 2019 Women's World Cup in France and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. In May this year, she returned to the Chinese women's soccer team after three years. In an interview with Soccer News, Peng Shimeng described his efforts and next career goal to return to the Chinese women's soccer team.
Once again, congratulations on being selected for the new Chinese women's soccer team, this is also your return to the national team after three years, what is the special meaning for you?
Peng Shimeng:If you can return to the women's national team again, first of all, I would like to thank the coaching staff for recognizing me, which also shows that you still have certain strength and ability to play for the country. After about three years, I returned to the national team again. I was still very excited and thrilled. I feel I have the power to rise.
What have you done in the last three years to get back to the national team?
Peng Shimeng:I have always been preparing and never gave up. I keep reminding myself that if I work hard, I will have a chance to return to the national team. I hope the coach of the national team can see me again through my usual training and performance in the league.
I have been following the matches of the women's national soccer team. I can feel that the women's soccer team is still quite difficult in these two years. I've been thinking that if I can be stronger, can I help the Chinese women's soccer team. So whenever I have the idea of giving up, I use it to spur myself on.
You participated in the training of the new national women's soccer team, how do you feel about the new Chinese women's soccer team?
Peng Shimeng:Now the women's national soccer team is in the phase of transition between old and new, and there are more young people in the team. The impression I got from these two training sessions is that the team is energetic and full of energy. Foreign coach Milicic mentioned the Asian Cup in two years' time, followed by the World Cup and the Olympics, which is a long cycle. In the meantime, improving the level is the general direction of our efforts.
What impression did Milicic make on you as an assistant coach of the Australian men's national team and head coach of the Australian women's national team?
Peng Simeng: The head coach is usually very cheerful off the field, but when it comes to training and games he is very strict and has strict requirements for every detail of training and games.
What goals did you set for yourself when you returned to the national team?
Peng Shimeng: I hope to participate in the Asian Cup, World Cup and Olympic Games again, a cycle that will take about four years.
Are there any stars you guys particularly admire at the goalie position?
Peng Shimeng: Martin, goalkeeper of the Argentine national team, who has been very consistent in his play.
What are your usual hobbies?
Peng Shimeng:Usually after training, I have time to watch dramas and read books. I like drinking coffee very much. I bought a coffee machine back in the dormitory. I usually try to make my own coffee. I can make lattes and other coffees now.
Did you watch the Olympics not long ago and which one did you like? Which Chinese athlete's performance impressed you in particular?
Peng Shimeng:I watch table tennis and diving the most. Table tennis is our national sport and everyone has high expectations. In fact, every sport is not easy. They prepared a lot for the competition, were not afraid of challenges, turned pressure into motivation and achieved excellent results, which is very admirable. What impressed me most was Zheng Qinwen Yong won the gold medal in women's tennis singles, and my circle of friends was blown up at that time. Zheng Qinwen's fighting spirit is admirable and shocking.
