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Schedule changing leaves pressure on China, says New Zealand coach |
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08:15, September 20, 2007 |
New Zealand coach John Herdman said on Wednesday that the postponement of their Women's World Cup match against China will put more pressure on the hosts.
FIFA decided on Wednesday to change the schedule of Group D match of China against New Zealand from Wednesday to Thursday so that both two Group D matches will start at the same time.
"I think it's a great decision from FIFA. But it came too late, three hours before the match. It has been tough for players who completely prepared for the biggest game in their life. But it gave us extra time for a training session. It also gave us opportunities to get players rested and recovered," said Herdman.
"The situation favors New Zealand to keep the Chinese player waiting for another day with pressure all on them. It is the really relaxing time for New Zealand," he said.
Facing almost 60,000 Chinese fans in Thursday's game, Herdman said he felt no pressure.
"Our players are really excited to play in front of big crowd. I watched the crowds while China play against Brazil and Denmark. They really just enjoyed the game. I don't think the crowd will be a big trouble for us in the game."
New Zealand still got chance to show in the quarter-finals only if they trashed China while Brazil beat Denmark with a large score.
"We still have possibility to qualify. Players believe that they will get a good result tomorrow. We will go out there with the relief that we can win the game. We will try as hard as we can on the Chinese team."
Source: Xinhua
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