Denmark coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller said in Wuhan yesterday that he had
apologized to China coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors for not shaking hands with her
after the match.
Hosts China edged Denmark 3-2 with a late winning goal at the FIFA Women's
World Cup Group D opener here on Wednesday night.
After the thrilling and dramatic game, frustrated Heiner-Moller refused to
shake hands with Domanski-Lyfors. And a Denmark working staff poured dirty words
on the Chinese team, igniting a brawl.
"I am sorry for that kind of thing, and I have apologized to
Domanski-Lyfors," Heiner-Moller told Xinhua at the training site.
Trailing 2-0, the Danes, who boast advantage in stamina and physiques, fought
hard to tie the score in the 87th minute. But substitute Song Xiaoli volleyed an
incredible long shot home on 88minutes to smash the Danes' plan to get at least
one point.
"Losing a match in such a way is so frustrating that no one knows what a
person in that mood will react," said Heiner-Moller.
"If I were in today's mood, I would never do that kind of impolite thing," he
noted.
Domanski-Lyfors, a Swede who led Sweden to the 2003 World Cup runners-up and
took over the Chinese team in March this year, said Wednesday, "He did not shake
hands with me after the match. But I don't care much about it."
"Maybe, he is so disappointed about the result," She added.
Heiner-Moller sang highly of the Chinese team today, saying, "China have many
talented players. They played well and they deserve the win."
China boast head-to-head results of seven wins, three ties and one loss
against Denmark in world arena before Wednesday's clash, including a 2-2 draw in
1991 World Cup in China and 3-1 win in 1995 edition in Sweden.
On Saturday, China will take on Athens Olympic runners-up Brazil, who
trounced New Zealand 5-0, and Denmark will meet New Zealand in their second
round Group D matches.
"I think the unpleasant thing is over, and we will focus on next match
against New Zealand," Heiner-Moller noted.
"It will not be an easy match for us. We have seen some videos and will make
full preparation for the game," he said.
To keep the hope of surviving the tricky group, Denmark must not only beat
underdogs New Zealand, but also score goals as many as possible.
