Big year ahead for resurgent 'Steel Roses'

China's national women's soccer team is poised for a big rebound.

After winning silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and 1999 FIFA World Cup, the "Steel Roses" hit the skids for a number of years, but over the past 12 months the squad has regained its form and is eyeing a strong showing at this summer's Women's World Cup in France.

The highlight of 2018 was a runner-up finish at the Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, followed by five straight shutout victories while amassing a mammoth 31-goal haul.