Conceding to a skillful Brazilian side 4-0, hosts China still keep the hope alive against a tough road to make the semifinals at the on-going women's World Cup.
Winning their opener against Denmark 3-2 but losing to Brazil 4-0, China must win over their last group opponents New Zealand to secure the top two spots in Group D to advance, with another precondition that Brazil will not lose their remaining match against Denmark.
And even making the last eight with a tick of Lucky, the China women footballers, once known as "Roses of Steel" at home, are climbing a cliff towards the semifinals, a pre-tournament target set aside by the Chinese football officials.
Whoever to be blamed, China are not a strong nor a stable team, at least during the group stage whereas many fantastic moments have been displayed by others, including Norway and Australia in Group C, the likely opponents for China in the quarterfinal fixture, if China could do it.
Norway have shown their strength as one of the title racers in the last two games. In the comeback 2-1 win over Canada and 1-1 tie with Australia, the Scandinavians played awesome attacking football characterized by well-organized movements and resourceful ways to split their opponents' defence.
Both in offense and defence, the Norwegians made progresses and when they dominated the rhythm, their opponents could only chase up for the ball.
"If we can play China in the quarter-final that would be a great thing," Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen told Xinhua shortly before the tournament.
In that case, the atmosphere would be great as more than 50,000 fans are likely to pack the stadium to support the hosts, said the former Norwegian men's national team player who seemed to imply that China are no longer as strong as in the past and would be an easier team to handle.
Australian coach Tom Sermanni has similar thoughts, saying he would hope to meet China again in the World Cup even after the 3-1 warm-up win over the hosts in Tianjin on Aug. 19.
The Scot reiterated that after the recent two straight victories over China, the Matildas raised their confidence greatly and may enjoy some advantage when facing China during the knockout stage.
"Australia is one of the most underrated teams of the tournament, " said Berntsen after Norway were held to a 1-1 draw by Australia.
In the 4-1 triumph over Ghana, the Matildas displayed their astonishing speed and well-balanced work. They gave more surprises later when Sermanni left six major players out of the starting lineup to meet group favourites Norway, and still managed to earn a draw after bringing on several crucial players like Lisa De Vanna and Sarah Walsh in the second half.
"You can say that it's like a rotation system. Maybe not like that, I just want to let the team have some fresh players. And we may continue that according to different teams we are going to meet," said Sermanni.
Even Canada, the other team in Group C, also had some good show with their physical strenth. After the 2-1 loss to Norway, they proved their ability with a 4-0 win over Ghana. Striker Christine Sinclair and Kara Lang are dangerous for any defenders during the World Cup.
Back to China, their defence line was often being distorted, their teamwork lacked of fluency, and their ace strikers Han Duan and Ma Xiaoxu just couldn't get enough support from the midfield.
Despite the home turf advantage, the Chinese women players are against the bulging anticipation to make a feat during the FIFA women's World Cup.
Source: Xinhua
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