Steel Roses back to their roots and back in bloom

Contrasting fortunes

The victory also grabbed the imagination of Chinese soccer fans due to the stark contrast in fortunes for the men's national team, which last week sunk to a new low－a 3-1 loss to Vietnam which ended China's slim hopes of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup finals.

Compared with the men's Chinese Super League, which is famous for the high salaries of its players and coaches, the women's professional leagues in China attract much less attention.

However, after Sunday's victory, media and pundits urged for greater support for the development of the women's game.

"I hope the Chinese Football Association can give the women's team double the prize money of the men," said renowned Chinese sports commentator Huang Jianxiang.