Maia Jackman, a star defender and the backbone of the young New Zealand's team, on Monday vowed to play all-out against her best Chinese friend and striker, Han Duan, in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in China.
China will meet New Zealand in their last Group D match in Tianjin on Sept. 19, which is likely a fate-deciding duel for the hosts who has set a target of entering top four on home soil. Group D also includes Athens Olympics runners-up Brazil and European soccer giant Denmark.
"Han Duan is one of my best Chinese friends and we know each other very well," said the 32-year-old Jackman at a press conference here.
Dubbed as "secret weapon", Han Duan, 24, was on the rise in her seven-year international career to become a core of the current Chinese side. Observers in China often singles out Han's speed, sharp eye for goal and expansive vision in attack.
Jackman, who acted as a strong point for New Zealand in 14 years, said,"I have played against Han several times, and in the field we do not play like friends."
"But we are still friends out of competitions," She noted in smiling.
Boasting versatility, Jackman can also slot in wide on the right, having proved to be as dangerous at center-forward as she is solid and assured in the center of defence.
Replying to a question, Jackman said that although some predictions described New Zealand as an underdog in the tournament, the team would play in never-say-die spirit.
"And being underdog may be good to us as it will ease pressure for us," She added.
Jackman was selected in the FIFA Women's World Stars team, for whom she slotted in at right-back for the showpiece mach against China that preceded the draw for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The veteran had said that she would hang her boots after the World Cup in China.
Source: Xinhua
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