Looking Back at the Semi-final: Details Made the Difference, Young Players Need Time

In the match played in Perth on March 17, China put up a strong fight against Australia in the first half, but the opponents secured victory with a better ability to convert chances. Wu Haiyan analyzed after the game: “Everyone played really well, but that’s football – the opponents were more clinical in front of goal. In the second half, maybe we wanted to control possession more, and we didn’t do as well on the counter-attack.”

She specifically mentioned the performances of the team’s young players: “I think our young players, when they get into the final third, can be a bit more patient and confident. This was our first major tournament in over two years, and there are lessons to be learned and growing pains to endure, but everyone played really well today.”

Addressing external doubts about the team’s squad rotation, Wu said that giving more players the opportunity to experience a high-intensity tournament like the Asian Cup is valuable for the whole squad: “This is a form of growth for the entire team, and it will benefit our preparations for future World Cups and Olympic Games.”

On the Head Coach: Modern Football Philosophy, Progress Shown in Data

When asked about the changes brought by Australian head coach Miličić, Wu Haiyan stated that the team’s tactical style has undergone a significant transformation:

“He employs a modern style of football, and the team’s tactical performance is different from before. Looking at the data, aspects like high-intensity running capacity are definitely stronger than before. Tactically, adopting a more impactful style of play is also a change.”

She acknowledged that there is a gap between the Chinese team and the world’s top sides, but emphasized that the squad is working hard to close it: “We all say that Chinese women’s football has actually fallen behind, but I think through the growth over these past two years, we have taken steps one by one to try to keep up.”

Message to Teammates: More Confidence, More Encouragement

As a veteran who has experienced numerous major tournaments, Wu Haiyan is optimistic about the potential of the current Chinese squad. She believes the players possess distinct qualities but still have room to grow:

“I believe everyone can see that many of our players have a lot of individual characteristics… I think Chinese players currently lack confidence and also lack encouragement. If they could be bolder and more confident, they could do even better.”

Conclusion: A Clear Direction Despite a Semi-final Exit

Although China failed to defend their Asian Cup title, they achieved three consecutive wins in the group stage and successfully secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For a team in the midst of a generational transition and tactical evolution, a semi-final finish serves as both a test of character and a stepping stone towards higher stages.

As Wu Haiyan stated, this Chinese team is “taking steps one by one to try to keep up.” On the future stages of the World Cup and Olympics, they will still have the opportunity to write their own chapter.