ADVERTISEMENT
WEBMAIL
Monday, May 12, 2025
  • Login
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Moto GP
  • Boxing
  • About Us
  • Contact us
No Result
View All Result
Sports Preview Ghana
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Moto GP
  • Boxing
  • About Us
  • Contact us
No Result
View All Result
Sports Preview Ghana
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Football

DUAN: THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP WILL BE ENRICHED WITH BETTER COMPETITION SHOULD IT BE EXANDED

Han Duan: Expansion will enrich the Women’s World Cup

Frederick Marfo by Frederick Marfo
3 years ago
in Football, Women Football
0 0
0
DUAN: THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP WILL BE ENRICHED WITH BETTER COMPETITION SHOULD IT BE EXANDED
ADVERTISEMENT
Share on whatsappShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare to an Email
  • Han Duan spoke to FIFA about China PR’s women’s triumphant AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign

  • Former Steel Roses captain hailed the team’s never-say-die spirit under new boss Shui

  • She has high hopes for the team at Australia/New Zealand 2023, and for the tournament itself

By any standards, China PR’s performances at January’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup were remarkable.

In a tournament that doubled as the continent’s qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023™, Shui Qingxia’s Steel Roses not only achieved their mission of sealing a spot at the global finals, but stunned even their own supporters by storming to the title. All the more impressive was the fashion in which they defied the odds en route to glory. With Australia and holders Japan the heavy pre-tournament favourites, China made a low-key entry only to improve and grow in confidence with every passing match.

Having secured progression to Australia/New Zealand 2023 by reaching the last four, Shui’s side capped an unforgettable campaign with two sensational comeback victories, first against Japan in the semi-finals and then to beat Korea Republic in the final and lift the trophy for the first time since 2006.

The entire country was sent into raptures, and among the joyful TV viewers following the drama in India was Han Duan, a former Steel Roses captain. The ex-forward, who played a key role in China’s last conquest of Asia 16 years previously – striking the tournament-winning penalty in a shootout win over Australia – was full of praise for the country’s class of 2022. “It was a hard-fought campaign and I could vividly feel how tough it was for these players,” she told FIFA. “They overcame challenges posed by both the pandemic and their strong rivals to win. It was a timely morale-booster for the team and an exciting campaign. Their success also helps increase the attention on the women’s game and, in the long run, it will inspire more young girls to play football.”

China PR team celebrate after winning the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

Steel Roses’ spirit revived                                                                                                                                  Han’s excitement is well founded. The team’s success came, after all, in the wake of a disappointing campaign at last year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, when heavy losses to Brazil and Netherlands consigned the team to an early exit. It ultimately cost coach Jia Xiuquan his job, with Shui – a former Steel Roses forward, who won Olympic silver at Atlanta 1996 – taking over last November. China looked like a different side under their new coach at the Asian finals, with their never-say-die spirit exemplified in a semi-final in which they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against Japan before prevailing 4-3 in the ensuing shootout. They then went one better in the final itself, overcoming a two-goal deficit against Korea Republic to win 3-2. “The match was tough,” said Han. “We had a transitional side with several young players, whereas Korea Republic had a strong team with several European-based stars. But we took the game to them and didn’t give up even, when we were two goals down. It was the Steel Roses spirit which carried the team through. “Coach Shui has a lot of experience and she knows the players well,” Han added. “Under her guidance, the team struck a good balance with young legs complementing the older heads. The tactics she employed proved successful, too, most notably in the way she converted Wang Shanshan from a star striker to a centre-back to shore up the defence.”

China PR forward Tang Jiali #18 in action.

While the entire team excelled throughout the campaign, Han singled out Tottenham Hotspur striker Tang Jiali as one of standout performers. Tang scored three times, including the goal in the final that halved Korea Republic’s lead and ultimately turned the tide in China’s favour. As Han said: “Our players are usually technically good, but not physically strong. Tang, though, is a different type. She has both skill and strength, plus a good nose for goal. “If you look at the past Women’s World Cups, the competitiveness continues to increase. The trend in the women’s game is to play simple football, not to showcase your skills, but to find the most straightforward path to victory. To compete against the world’s best teams, Chinese players need to work harder to improve in these aspects.”

New opportunities Down Under                                                                                                            Australia/New Zealand 2023 will mark a new era for the Women’s World Cup, as the tournament’s expansion to 32 teams takes effect. Having featured in two editions of the global finals, at USA 2003 and China PR 2007, Han sees the increased number of participants as a positive development. “Firstly, it opens a new window for the debutants,” she said, citing the likes of Vietnam and Philippines, both of whom qualified for the first time. “It provides chances for more countries to experience the Women’s World Cup, and their appearances will add to diversity of the tournament and enrich the tournament with different styles of play. “It will also be a fresh opportunity for the traditional powerhouses because they will be exposed to unfamiliar sides, new tactics and different styles. I think it will promote the women’s game and boost its development to a new level across the world. “Every player longs to play in the Women’s World Cup. It is the chance of a lifetime. From my experience, the most important thing to do when you get there is to do your best and enjoy it. “When I played in my first Women’s World Cup, I felt pressure. Four years later, however, I could fully enjoy it when we played as hosts. For each match, I went on to the field with excitement. Looking back, China 2007 was really a campaign to remember: the chanting supporters, amazing atmospheres, enthralling games and our quarter-final finish.” Han hopes, too, that Australia/New Zealand 2023 can be a tournament to remember – and savour – for China. “It goes without saying that every player will strive to help the team achieve success,” she concluded. “My advice for them, however, is to put results aside and concentrate on their performances and enjoying the Women’s World Cup matches.”

Han Duan of China celebrates scoring a goal against South Korea in their round robin match in the East Asian Women's Football Championships at the Yongchuan Stadium in Chongqing on February 18, 2008. China lead South Korea 1-0. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images)
Source: FIFA
ADVERTISEMENT
Frederick Marfo

Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.

Tags: Han DuanJanuary's AFC Women's Asian Cupqualifiers for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023™Shui Qingxia's Steel Roses
Frederick Marfo

Frederick Marfo

Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.

Next Post
MARTIAL ARTIST, AMBASSADOR AND BATONBEARER, HARLEEN KAUR READY FOR THE B2022

MARTIAL ARTIST, AMBASSADOR AND BATONBEARER, HARLEEN KAUR READY FOR THE B2022

Discussion about this post

Connect with us

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
INTERESTED MEDIA CAN NOW APPLY FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR THE FINAL OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022

INTERESTED MEDIA CAN NOW APPLY FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR THE FINAL OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022

February 14, 2025
HOLGER’S MOTHER, ANEKE, PROVIDES EXCLUSIVE INSIGHT

HOLGER’S MOTHER, ANEKE, PROVIDES EXCLUSIVE INSIGHT

January 16, 2022
ACCREDITATION FOR THE DRAW OF THE U-20 WORLD CUP COSTA RICA NOW OPEN

ACCREDITATION FOR THE DRAW OF THE U-20 WORLD CUP COSTA RICA NOW OPEN

October 21, 2022
EMMANUEL ‘GAME BOY’ TAGOE PUTS HIS BOXING CAREER ON THE LINE AGAINST RYAN GARCIA

EMMANUEL ‘GAME BOY’ TAGOE PUTS HIS BOXING CAREER ON THE LINE AGAINST RYAN GARCIA

February 14, 2025
A STAGERING 13,485 FANS WATCHED AS BAHCESEHIR LIFTED THE MAIDEN FIBA EUROPE CUP

A STAGERING 13,485 FANS WATCHED AS BAHCESEHIR LIFTED THE MAIDEN FIBA EUROPE CUP

0
MINNESOTA COULD NOT CONTAIN JA MORANT AS HE FIRES MEMPHIS TO A CRUCIAL WIN

MINNESOTA COULD NOT CONTAIN JA MORANT AS HE FIRES MEMPHIS TO A CRUCIAL WIN

0
BLACK PRINCESSES ALLOW AUSTRIA CONTINUE TO WRITE HISTORY IN THE FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP

BLACK PRINCESSES ALLOW AUSTRIA CONTINUE TO WRITE HISTORY IN THE FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP

0
Oliver stars in latest Inside Track podcast

Oliver stars in latest Inside Track podcast

0
International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Humphrey Kayange has been named as the new Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026. Kayange was appointed by IOC President Thomas Bach following a request from President-elect Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down from her position as Chair of the Commission after her election as IOC President in March.

Humphrey Kayange becomes Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026

May 5, 2025
IOC recommends Russian and Belarusian individual athletes compete as neutrals

IOC and Allianz agree extension of Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partnership

May 5, 2025
The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski appointed Chair of Coordination Commission for Brisbane 2032

May 5, 2025
FIFA U-20 World Cup

Volunteer applications for FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 now open

May 5, 2025

Recommended

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Humphrey Kayange has been named as the new Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026. Kayange was appointed by IOC President Thomas Bach following a request from President-elect Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down from her position as Chair of the Commission after her election as IOC President in March.

Humphrey Kayange becomes Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026

May 5, 2025
IOC recommends Russian and Belarusian individual athletes compete as neutrals

IOC and Allianz agree extension of Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partnership

May 5, 2025
The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski appointed Chair of Coordination Commission for Brisbane 2032

May 5, 2025
FIFA U-20 World Cup

Volunteer applications for FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 now open

May 5, 2025

Facebook Feeds

Recent News

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Humphrey Kayange has been named as the new Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026. Kayange was appointed by IOC President Thomas Bach following a request from President-elect Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down from her position as Chair of the Commission after her election as IOC President in March.

Humphrey Kayange becomes Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026

May 5, 2025
IOC recommends Russian and Belarusian individual athletes compete as neutrals

IOC and Allianz agree extension of Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partnership

May 5, 2025

About Us

www.sportspreviewghana.com is owned and operated by Sports Preview Gh. which commenced in mid 2009
Our website strives to keep its readers at the forefront of sports news when and...........

Read more

WEBMAIL

© 2014 Sports Preview Ghana - Powered By 1MP Creative World.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Moto GP
  • Boxing
  • About Us
  • Contact us

© 2014 Sports Preview Ghana - Powered By 1MP Creative World.

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In