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| AFC Women’s Asian Cup |
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| Shang: There’s work still to do |
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| China coach Shang Ruihua admitted that his team has a long way to go. |
HO CHI MINH CITY – China coach Shang Ruihua praised his players for battling back to defeat Japan 3-1 in the semi-final but stressed there is still a long way to go before the Steel Roses realise their ultimate target.
Japan had the better of the first half and deservedly took the lead a minute into the second period through Homare Sawa.
But China refused to give in and turned the game on it’s head when substitute Wang Dandan first equalised in the 61st minute and then struck again six minutes later.
Han Duan completed the stunning turn around in the 74th minute when she fired into the empty net.
“This was a hard yet wonderful game,” said Shang. “We played well.
“Japan are a very technical side and their teamwork, organising and passing is very good.
“But our players were stronger, they tried their best and performed well.
“I thought in the first half we were good in midfield. We didn’t score but Japan used up a lot of energy in the first half.
“We conceded one goal but because Japan tired we battled hard and got the win.
“I have to thank the players, my assistants and all my staff because we have all worked hard together.”
China will meet DPR Korea in the final on Sunday as they look to make a successful defence of the Asian Cup.
Their task will not be easy, however, against a side that has a perfect record in the tournament so far and have yet to concede a goal.
And Shang was remaining cautious about his side chances of a second successive title.
“There is still a long way to go to achieve our final target,” he added.
“I think the Koreans are probably better than us but we can only try our best.
“We need to improve control in midfield as well as keeping a good defensive formation.”
Japan coach Norio Sasaki was unable to hide his disappointed at the manner in which his side were defeated.
“The game was one we could win but we lost and we have things we must look at,” he said.
“It is disappointing. We had a lot of chances to score in the first half but couldn’t finish and that is a problem.
“They had three breaks on our left and they scored three goals and that was the difference.”
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