Steel Roses refusing to give up on qualification mission

ADELAIDE, Australia — Team China's players say they have already moved on from their opening defeat at the Women's World Cup as they bid to bounce back in their second Group D match against Haiti on Friday.

The Steel Roses, who reached the last 16 at the last edition of the tournament in 2019, resumed training in Adelaide on Tuesday afternoon, three days after the opening 1-0 loss to Denmark in Perth.

China captain Wang Shanshan admitted the pressure was on, but added that the team had adjusted well in recent days and would face the Haitians with confidence.

"The first game is already a thing of the past. We will definitely start all over again, and then face the next opponent," said Wang on Tuesday.

After flying back from Perth in Western Australia to its base in Adelaide on Sunday, the team had a day off on Monday as head coach Shui Qingxia gave the players space and time to recuperate physically and mentally.

Wang noted that China also lost its opening matches at the past two editions of the World Cup, but went on to play well in the following games and progress to the knockout stage on both occasions.

"Losing the first game does not necessarily decide everything that happens in the end. Our focus is to play well in the next two group matches," said the 33-year-old.

"We definitely need to thwart the opponent's counterattack and speed, and then we have to play at a higher level."

Haiti, which is making its Women's World Cup debut, defied expectations to limit European champion England to a single goal in a 1-0 defeat in their opener.

With Denmark and England top of the group on three points, the Steel Roses need to win on Friday to keep their hopes of a last-16 berth alive.

Team China midfielder Gu Yasha said she didn't want to have any regrets, as this is her third and final World Cup.

"For us veterans, every time we talk about this situation, we almost come to tears," said the 32-year-old on nearing the end of her international career.

"We cherish it, as it really is our last appearance on this stage. So, it is very important that we show the best of ourselves. As a veteran, I will try my best to help the team."

Despite having the lowest world ranking (No 53) in Group D, the Haitians almost produced a huge shock against the English, with their swift counterattacks creating a number of clear-cut chances in Brisbane last Saturday.

Young forward Melchie Dumornay, who recently joined French champion Lyon, was particularly impressive in the No 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the skillful 19-year-old the focal point of many of Haiti's attacks.

Limiting the teenager's influence will be a priority for Shui's side on Friday.

Wang said the team had thoroughly analyzed Haiti and would be fully prepared for the match at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

"We will adjust to their characteristics and advantages," said Wang.

"I think it is definitely necessary to communicate with teammates on the field, especially in the last 15 to 20 minutes of the match, when more players need to show their courage to help the team and remind each other to concentrate and stick to the strategy."

The tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, is taking place until Aug 20, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the last 16. China concludes its Group D campaign against England on Aug 1.

Xinhua