Just 23 days before the FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil, the Chinese
team's preparations are far from satisfactory in most aspects and the recent two
straight defeats to Australia have rung the red alarm for the so-called " Steel
Roses".
If the first training match 3-2 loss to the Matildars four days ago were not
so stunning (after all China rallied from two goals down to equalize, and saw
ace player Ma Xiaoxu quickly back into form), this humiliating 3-1 failure
against the same team after awkward process nearly torn the Roses into pieces.
Although China had a well-organized start and created several clear great
chances during the game, they were obviously dwarfed by the visitors who did not
bring on all major players, and if it not had been the referee's mercy they
could finally ended in 4-1 or 5-1.
"I think it will not do any good, or even do harm to China in the World Cup,"
said Australia boss Tom Sermanni, directing to the Chinese referee's doubtful
decision on several occasions.
China coach Marika Domanski had to look at the bright side of the game,
saying that the team should find confidence from loss to win, and convert the
deep lesson to more positive things.
"Of course the result is important, but we should also look at the process.
We created some good chances, but the players should know how to seize the
chances."
Domanski maybe right with the confident mood after an awful result before the
showpiece tournament, but it's the process that makes the most serious problem.
Technically, tactically, psychologically the Chinese team all seemed to go wrong
in so urgent time.
The defence line was out of shape, rightback Weng Xinzhi was so fragile
facing the Australian's No. 7 Heather Garriock, while captain Pu Wei exposed her
weakness in the paces before Sarah Walsh's speed. How could such a disorganized
defence system meet the stronger attacks in the World Cup?
The midfielders are challenged by tough Australian defenders, and gradually
lost their accurate and fluent short passes in the game, which also made the
forward pair Han Duan and Ma Xiaoxu lack of ammunition, the old problem is still
them.
Psychologically the players were apparently nervous before a near full-house
54,000 new stadium, and became too anxious when lagging behind.
Domanski had only three final tune-up games in 24 days to make changes and
improvement, the Swedish just needs enough luck under the current circumstances
to make success in the World Cup.