Han Duan, the captain of the national women's soccer team who has made great achievements for the country, recently revealed in an in-depth interview with FIFA that under the leadership of Coach Shui Qingxia, China's women's soccer team is continuing the fighting spirit of the "Clanging Roses" who will never give up, and after 16 years of trials and tribulations has once again won the Asian Cup, which will not only make next year's World Cup full of suspense, but also motivate countless young girls to devote themselves to the field of soccer. This not only makes next year's World Cup full of suspense, but also inspires countless young girls to devote themselves to the field of soccer.
FIFA mentioned in the report that although our women's soccer team was not the favorite to win the Asian Cup at the beginning of the year, they have shown remarkable strength by virtue of their relentless efforts to improve game by game and their confidence is steadily increasing.
The article noted that after successfully advancing to the quarterfinals and locking up a spot in the 2023 World Cup in Australia New Zealand, the Keisha Shui-coached team stood at the top of Asian soccer again since 2006 after upsetting Japan and South Korea in the semifinals and finals, respectively.
Han Duan said in the interview that this Asian Cup made her deeply appreciate the hardship of her teammates. They overcame the challenges of the new crown epidemic and strong opponents to win the championship, and this victory has greatly boosted the team's morale.
"Their success will undoubtedly raise the profile of women's soccer. In the long run, it will inspire more girls to take up soccer." Han Duan added.
Recalling the 2006 Asian Cup in Australia, Han Duan locked up the victory for China's women's football team in the final penalty shootout, she said that the new generation of "roses" in the Tokyo Olympics, although defeated by Brazil and the Netherlands by a large margin, but the arrival of the new head coach Shui-Qingxia injected new vitality into the team, and her wealth of experience and in-depth understanding of the players has become the key to success. The key to success.
"Under her guidance, the team has found a good balance." That balance is reflected in both the impact of the young players and the experience and wisdom of the veterans, according to Hantuan.
"She has also had success with her tactical arrangements, such as when she switched Wang Shanshan from star striker to center back to bolster the team's defense." Han Duan said.
Han Duan also mentioned that the whole team performed very well in the Asian Cup, especially the remarkable improvement of the naturalized players. Tang Jiali, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was one of the most outstanding players with two goals and an assist in the final.
"Our players are usually technically brilliant but not physically strong. Tang Jiali is a different type, she has both skill and strength, and a good nose for goal." Han Duan commented.
The 2023 Women's World Cup will be the first expansion to 32 teams, and Han Duan, a two-time participant in the tournament, noted that the cup has become increasingly competitive in terms of past editions.
"One of the trends in the women's game is the pursuit of simple and direct soccer, not to show skill but to find the most direct way to win. Playing against the best teams in the world, our players need to work harder in these areas." She said.
Looking back on her experience, Han Duan said she felt a lot of pressure when she first attended the World Cup, but four years later at the 2007 World Cup in China, she was passionate in every game. "That tournament is worth remembering, the fans were passionate, the atmosphere was warm and the matches were exciting ......"
Looking ahead to next year's World Cup, Han Duan hopes the players will focus on their own performance. "Every player aspires to play in the World Cup. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From my experience, when you step onto the field, the most important thing is to give your best and enjoy the World Cup." She said.
