On August 20, Guangdong women's soccer goalkeeper Peng Shimeng, who was only in her mid-twenties when she was honored as China's premier women's soccer goalkeeper, was featured in the 2019 Women's World Cup in France and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. In May this year, she returned to the national team with three years of accumulated honors. In an exclusive interview with Football Daily, Peng Shimeng shares her relentless pursuit and new career vision.
Congratulations on becoming a member of the new Chinese women's soccer team again, this is also your return to the national team after three years of absence, which means a lot to you, how do you feel?
Peng Shimeng: First of all, I would like to thank the coaching team for their trust, which proves that I still have what it takes to play for my country. Returning to the team again after three years, I am overwhelmed and filled with motivation to rise.
What efforts have you put into returning to the national team over the past three years?
Peng Shimeng: I have always been preparing for the battle and have never given up lightly. I keep reminding myself that if I work hard, there will always be opportunities. I expect the coaches of the national team to see my progress through my daily training and league performance.
You have been following the women's national soccer team's matches and felt the plight of the Chinese women's soccer team. Have you thought about how to become stronger and help the team?
Peng Shimeng: I am well aware of the plight of the Chinese women's soccer team, and I am always thinking about how to improve myself. Whenever I have the thought of giving up, I use it to motivate myself to keep going.
How do you feel about the team after attending the training of the new Chinese women's soccer team?
Peng Shimeng: The women's national soccer team is in the stage of transition between the old and the new, and many young players have emerged. The two training sessions gave me a deep feeling of the team's vigor. Foreign coach Milicic mentioned the Asian Cup, World Cup and Olympics in two years, which is a long journey. In the meantime, raising the level is what we are striving for.
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 Shimeng: Coach Milicic is cheerful off the field, but demanding in training and games, pursuing the utmost in details.
What goals did you set for yourself when you returned to the national team?
Peng Shimeng: I hope to represent the national team again in the Asian Cup, World Cup and Olympics, which will take about four years.
Do you have any special admirers at the goalie position?
Peng Shimeng: Martin, the goalkeeper of the Argentine national team, who had a very solid game.
What are your usual hobbies?
Peng Simeng: After training, I like to watch dramas and read books. I also bought a coffee machine in my dormitory to make my own coffee. I can now skillfully make lattes and other coffees.
Have you watched the Olympics lately? Which sport is your favorite? Which Chinese athlete's performance impressed you?
Pang Simeng: The sports I follow most are table tennis and diving. Table tennis is our national sport and everyone has high expectations. In fact, every sport is not easy. Athletes put in a lot of efforts for the competition, and it is admirable that they face challenges and turn pressure into motivation to achieve excellent results. What impressed me deeply was Zheng Qinwen's courageous win of the gold medal in women's tennis singles, when my circle of friends was swept by her fighting spirit.
