China coach in upbeat mood ahead of South Africa match

China now sit on the third in Group B, only better than bottom team South Africa on goal differential, while Germany lead the standings after nipping a 1-0 victory on Wednesday against Spain, who beat South Africa 3-1 in last Saturday's opening round.

A victory at Parc des Princes might give China a boost in confidence and the 3-point in need to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

"Rather than a positive result from tomorrow's game against South Africa, I'm more looking forward to some better performance from my players," said the former coach of the Chinese men's U-19 national team.

"I believe that a victory comes when you are strong enough, and I believe in my players who made enough efforts to come here," he added.

Chinese midfielder Gu Yasha, who scored to help China win over South Africa in the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, said her impression on the African side is that they're physically strong and play typical "African football".

"They are much characterized players. And I can tell that tomorrow's game against South Africa will be a fascinating play, no matter who come out the winners," she said.

"We're ready for a tough game," added the 28-year-old.