Steel Roses 'need time' to fully blossom

China's last-16 loss highlights gap in quality to women's global elite

True to their nickname, China's Steel Roses gave it all they had at the Women's World Cup, but it wasn't enough against technically superior Italy, which advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-0 triumph in Montpellier on Wednesday.

Images of star playmaker Wang Shuang in tears at the full-time whistle left fans in no doubt as to how much wearing the red jersey means to these players.

Still, Wang was quick to point out that a gulf in quality was evident at Stade de la Mosson - and bridging it is now China's top priority.

"We all produced a good performance and showed our spirit, but we lacked power going forward," Wang said after the last-16 loss.

"The Italian squad showed great skill, while we were still a little nervous. We did not pass the ball effectively. We contributed to our own downfall."

Paris Saint-Germain star Wang looked the most likely to confound Italy's defense, but with teammates not quite on her wavelength at times and China defending in numbers against wave after wave of attack, she plowed a lonely furrow up front.

The 24-year-old's career at PSG has been clouded in uncertainty this summer, but she revealed after the match that talks with the European giant are planned to iron out her future.

Goalkeeper Peng Shimeng had heroically shut out Spain in the final Group B game to seal China's passage to the last 16, but despite another valiant effort between the sticks she surrendered strikes to Valentina Giacinti in the 15th minute and Aurora Galli in the 49th.

Like Wang, Peng shed tears but was keen to reflect on the positives of the campaign.

"We have made gains at the World Cup but there have also been shortcomings," said Peng.

"I hope through this World Cup trip that I can pinpoint my weak spots and keep improving."

Most observers agree there are no quick fixes for the Steel Roses and rediscovering the glory days, when China was runner-up at both the 1996 Olympics and the 1999 World Cup, will take some time.

"Chinese women's soccer enjoyed its zenith back in the 1980s and '90s, and that's because we had a really early start in the sport," said Chen Guoqiang, an associate professor at Shanghai University of Sport.