In the past, our country
women's soccer
In an exclusive interview with FIFA, former captain and striker Han Duan, a leading figure in the national team, reveals that the national team is continuing the indomitable spirit of the "Clanging Roses" under the leadership of head coach Shui Qingxia. After 16 years, they are once again winning the
Asian cup (e.g. soccer)
trophy, which not only makes next year's
World Cup
There is a lot to look forward to and will inspire more young girls to take up soccer.
In the interview, FIFA praised the country's
women's soccer
The performance at this year's Asian Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing favorites such as Australia and Japan, our team has been able to improve themselves one game at a time with relentless efforts and increased confidence.
The article further notes that after advancing to the quarterfinals and locking up the 2023 Australia and New Zealand
World Cup
After the tickets, the team coached by Shui Qingxia staged consecutive comebacks against Japan in the semifinals and South Korea in the finals to reach the top of Asian soccer again since 2006.
Han Duan said in the interview that this
Asian cup (e.g. soccer)
It gave her a deep sense of the team's hardship. They overcame the challenges of the new crown epidemic and strong opponents to win the championship, which greatly boosted the team's morale.
Handan emphasized that the team's accomplishments have helped to elevate the
women's soccer
The attention of the sport will inspire more girls to take up soccer in the long run.
In the 2006 Asian Cup in Australia, our
women's soccer
Beating the hosts on penalties in the final to win the title, Han Tuan Jung was the penalty taker on that crucial spot kick.
According to Han Duan, after the new generation of "Roses" lost big scores to Brazil and the Netherlands at the Tokyo Olympics, the new head coach Shui Qingxia's transformation of the team has yielded positive results. Her rich experience and in-depth understanding of the players is the key to success.
Han Duan said that under Shui Qingxia's guidance, the team has achieved a good balance between the energy of the young players and the experience and wisdom of the veterans.
Shui Qingxia's tactics have also proved successful, for example, she has transformed Wang Shanshan from a star striker to a center back, boosting the team's defensive capabilities.
Han Duan also mentioned that the whole team performed very well in the Asian Cup, and the progress of the returnee players was especially obvious. Tang Jiali, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was one of the most outstanding players, scoring a goal and assisting in the final.
Han Duan praised Tang Jiali not only for her excellent technique, but also for her power and keen sense of smell in front of the goal.
2023
women's soccer
World Cup
It will be the first time the tournament has been expanded to 32 teams. Han Duan, who has participated in the World Cup twice, said the Cup has become more competitive every year from the past few editions.
Han Duan noted that
women's soccer
The tendency of the game is to pursue simplicity and directness, not to show off skills, but to find the most effective way to win. Against the best teams in the world, Chinese players need to work harder in these areas.
Reflecting on her experience, Han Duan said she felt pressured the first time she participated in the World Cup, but four years later at the 2007 tournament in China, she was passionate in every game.
Looking ahead to the upcoming World Cup, Han Duan wants his players to focus on their performance. "Every player is eager to play in the World Cup and this is a rare opportunity. From my experience, when you step onto the field, the most important thing is to give your best and enjoy the competition of the World Cup."
