Entering July, the Chinese women's soccer team entered the critical period of preparation for the World Cup. Coach Shui Qingxia grasps the last two weeks, carefully planning warm-up matches, trying to select teams with similar strength to the group opponents, so as to enhance the effect of the actual battle, and accumulate experience for tactical adjustments. At the same time, team selection should not be neglected, especially under the Cup system. Although strength is the foundation, adjusting the players' condition is even more crucial. Shui Qingxia's goal is to select players who are in good shape to ensure that they play well in the World Cup.
The Chinese women's soccer team is actively preparing for the Qingdao tournament. Previously, they had a warm-up match with the Russian women's soccer team, which they won on penalties, but the overall performance was quite dull. The point of the warm-up is to select players, and the players in the Qingdao camp have a chance to stand out. However, the competition is fierce, and with a limited number of World Cup spots available, some of the players will be eliminated after training in Qingdao, which is a harsh reality for professional players to go through.
Outside attention to the selection list is high. According to sources close to the matter, only 22 people ended up staying in the team compared to the initial 27-member list, with Wang Frost getting an extra spot and will go straight to Australia to join the team. The final list is set at 23.
The list of the five international players eliminated was also revealed. Fang Jie and Li Yanfei have returned to their Women's Super League clubs, while Yang Qian is absent due to injury. These three are undoubtedly out of the World Cup. As for the remaining two spots, Shui Qingxia chose an overseas player and Shen Menglu and Zhao Yujie left the team.
The departure of both players sparked surprise. After all, they had both won championship honors. Zhao Yujie was a starter for a while during her time at KEE, but failed to integrate into the tactics and was eventually relegated to the bench. Nevertheless, she helped the team win the Danish Women's Super League title.
Zhao Yujie's failure to make the cut is understandable, but Shen Mengyu's departure is surprising. In the Soviet Women's Premier League, Shen Menglu was an eye-catching performer, and her steady starter status even overshadowed Shen Mengyu. She helped Celtic women's soccer team to win the cup. However, the only explanation for her failure to be selected this time could be poor form or a mismatch with the team's squad and tactics.
