Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The most successful team in AFC Women’s Asian Cup history, China PR dominated the tournament from their first appearance in 1986, winning an unprecedented seven consecutive titles.
Head coach: Sigurdur Eyjólfsson (JPN)
Current FIFA ranking: 13
AFC Women’s Asian Cup appearances: 1986, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014
Best finish: Champions (1986, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2006)
Inspired by the brilliant Ma Xiaoxu, they added an eighth in 2006, but generational improvements by the likes of Japan, Australia and DPR Korea have ended the world’s most populous nation's dominance of Asian women’s football.
Despite going 11 years without a senior continental title, a drought by Chinese standards, the Steel Roses remain one of Asia’s most formidable sides, reching the quarter-finals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
They also retain the enviable record of having never finished outside the top four in any AFC Women’s Asian Cup they have competed in.
While China didn’t need to qualify for next April’s finals by virtue of their third place finish in Vietnam four years ago, they have prepared extensively, with their 19 matches in 2017 the most of any team in the draw, although results have been mixed.
Successes against 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup sides Mexico and Thailand, and a 2-2 draw with World No. 9 Brazil show China’s potential, but a winless Algarve Cup campaign and dual home losses to DPR Korea, who failed to qualify for Jordan 2018, indicate there is room for improvement.
After two years under Frenchman Bruno Bini, China appointed Iceland’s Siggi Eyjólfsson as their new head coach in November, with legendary former player Sun Wen taking a role as assistant coach.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/wang_shanshan_china.html
