Marika Domanski-Lyfors, head coach of hosts China, said here Tuesday that her team was in sound form to take on Denmark in the FIFA Women's World Cup Group D opener tomorrow.
After a training session at the competition venue here on Tuesday night, Domanski-Lyfors told reporters at the crowded mixed zone, "We will focus on our own in the crucial match against Denmark and all players get ready for the duel."
"Denmark have advantages in stamina and physiques, but we will play all out from the very beginning and use our quick pace to beat them," said the Swede, who became the first foreign coach of the Chinese women's soccer team in March this year.
The Group D also includes Brazil, the Athens Olympics runners-up, and underdog-looking New Zealand. According to the latest FIFA women's ranking in June, Denmark stood at sixth, Brazil at eighth, China 11th and New Zealand 23rd.
Although Brazil and Denmark more likely to survive the group, as hosts China have set a target of advancing to top four of the tournament.
Han Duan, the most eye-catching striker in China, told reporters at the mixed zone that the Denmark game would be very tough but she and the whole team had made full preparations for the duel.
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. Her speed, sharp eye for goal and expansive vision in attack may help the Chinese side at crucial moments.
"The Group B opener between the United States and DPR Korea impressed me a lot. The game told the world that not a single team could be looked down upon in the World Cup," Han noted.
Two-time Asian champions DPR Korea earned a dazzling 2-2 draw with two-time World Cup champions the United States in Chengdu, China, this afternoon.
Han Duan's father Han Jianli also came to the venue to see her daughter's training. Han Jianli told reporters, "Han Duan is at her career peak right now and I'm confident that she will score tomorrow."
Source: Xinhua
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