The heartbreaking loss of the Women's World Cup two weeks ago is still fresh in our minds, and that 1-6 scoreline still haunts us.
The celebratory gestures of three key members of the Chinese women's soccer team after the loss, and the subsequent sharp criticism of the team's strategy and staffing, became the focus of heated debate. With the World Cup behind us and the new Women's Super League underway, the world thought the storm had died down, but the controversy continued, with questions directed at the selection criteria and Shui Qingxia's decision-making.
In the countdown to the Asian Games, the controversy over Shui Qingxia has intensified, with a fourth overseas star even being mentioned, posing a potential threat to the team's cohesion and achievements. Late at night at 22:00, Zhao Yujie of the Chinese women's soccer team posted seven photos on her personal social media account revealing the weight of a number of world-class women's soccer superstars and posted a poignant quote, "I'm afraid that none of these players meet the criteria in our national team, and they are likely to be the first ones eliminated, and they will soon disappear from the list."
Among those she showed were many of the stars of the current World Cup, such as England's Lauren James weighing 79 kilograms, Spain's Putras weighing 67 kilograms, the United States' Holland weighing 76 kilograms, and Sweden's Rolfe weighing 73 kilograms. Her implication is clearly that the selection criteria for the Chinese women's soccer team seems to be weight-related, favoring lighter players. As a result, she predicted that these individuals would be eliminated in the first round, but Lauren James scored two goals and contributed three assists against China.
These stars have undoubtedly excelled in the World Cup and Zhao Yujie's comments are certainly an open questioning of the women's soccer selection system. Perhaps they have clear requirements for players' weight and fitness, and these individuals may have failed to make the national team precisely because they were overweight. But when you look at the world of soccer, it is unheard of to see players being selected based on their weight rather than their ability.
In this regard, China's well-known football media "Northwest Watchtower" commented: "Weight is only one of the factors, but also need to consider the body fat percentage, running ability and physical strength. The selection of the national team is a comprehensive consideration, not just weight. Xiao Zhao, go for it." However, Zhao Yujie responded unflinchingly, "Definitely, then you can get out of the group stage, right?" Another women's soccer superstar, Li Ying, also left a message, "You know yourself best."
The fan inquired, "Who made this request, the leader or the coach?" Zhao Yujie replied, "Same question." A fan worried her, "Aren't you afraid?" Zhao Yujie retorted, "Players are also human. It's normal to have thoughts. The French women's soccer team can refuse the World Cup, the Spanish women's soccer team can refuse the national team, and the U.S. women's soccer team can sue the Football Association, so why can't she speak out?"
Despite Zhao Yujie's criticism of the selection system, women's soccer players Zhang Xin and Li Ying interacted with her, some mocking and others engaging in meaningful conversations. Zhao Yujie, a well-known international student in Chinese women's soccer who played for HB Koehl in the Danish league, scored four goals last season at the age of 24, but failed to make the national team. Zhao Yujie was angered when Shui Qingxia failed to select her.
Her criticisms seem to point to the strict selection system, or problems with coach selection, or poor decision-making by the FA leadership. But will her future career with the national team be jeopardized by her doing so? She seems to be busting her ass and looking forward to a more exciting career studying abroad. At the same time, I hope she has the opportunity to compete and play for her country.
