Three days before the women's World Cup kicks off, Chinese organizers said they are ready to embrace the showcase event.

"The stadiums are ready, the volunteers are ready, and the tickets sell well. We are confident that the 2007 World Cup will be a success," Xue Li, executive deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, told a press conference on Friday.

Xue, also vice president of the Chinese Football Association, said that FIFA has inspected every aspect of their preparatory work and all meets the requirements.

"Take Hongkou Football Stadium for example, where the opening and closing ceremony, semi-finals and final match will be held, the grass, stands and parking lots have been reconstructed and checked," she said.

"Besides, China attaches great importance to environmental protection. We take good care of the grass, keep harmful chemicals away."

The tournament comes four years late. Set to host the 2003 edition, the outbreak of the SARS virus in China saw the World Cup switched to the United States months before kick-off.

The 2007 World Cup will take place in five Chinese cities - Shanghai, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Chengdu and Wuhan.

"I hope this World Cup will become the best ever edition," said Xue.

Source: Xinhua