Women’s World Cup a difficult learning experience
- China’s early exit from the game’s biggest stage shows that much work needs to be done if it is to become one of the world’s top teams again. Progress will take time and success depends on the sport being given the support it needs
China’s women footballers headed to this summer’s World Cup with high expectations, hoping to build on their impressive winning of the Asian Cup last year. But those hopes were dashed when the Steel Roses wilted, suffering a demoralising 6-1 loss to England in a game they needed to win to avoid an early exit.
The defeat was a huge disappointment for the fans in Australia and many more back home.
This was supposed to be a fresh start for the team, which had never failed to progress from the group stage. The official target was a quarter-final place.
China opened with a 1-0 loss to Denmark but then showed spirit, snatching victory against unfancied Haiti despite having a player sent off. The team was, however, outthought, outmuscled and ultimately outplayed in the decisive match against England.
There is much work to be done if China is to become one of the world’s top teams again. Now, coach Shui Qingxia and her players must look to the future. They can learn from this difficult experience.
China has big ambitions for the women’s game. Last year, the Chinese Football Association and government ministries announced a new plan to boost the sport, developing more training centres and adding extra teams. The aim is to host the Women’s World Cup in 2031 and, by then, be among the top three teams in the world.
Similar plans have, in the past, been launched for men’s football with dismal results. The lamentable performance of China’s men’s team has meant the nation’s hopes lie with the women.
There will be a need to develop a strong football culture, encourage more girls to join the sport and improve scouting and training. More funding and fans are needed for the domestic women’s game.
China hosted the first Women’s World Cup in 1991 and reached the final in 1999. But the rapid development of the sport in Europe and elsewhere has left it lagging behind.
The women’s team will be disappointed with its World Cup exit. But it should not be discouraged. Progress will take time and there will be ups and downs. Success depends on the sport being given the support it needs.
