AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
China PR, champions in 2006, have failed to progress beyond the group stage in the previous two editions, and now, with months of training under their belt, head coach Colin Bell is hopeful of his charges translating their hard work onto the pitch.
“This is a really good competition, and China PR are in an interesting group with totally different teams,” said the former defender. “We have had a long camp and are excited to get on the pitch and have a good game against Vietnam.
“We have pushed the girls quite a lot, and have the data to support how much we have improved tactically, and now it is time to execute on the field everything that we have done in training. I think, if we can do that successfully, we can be confident of a good result.”
“We have pushed the girls quite a lot, and have the data to support how much we have improved tactically, and now it is time to execute on the field everything that we have done in training. I think, if we can do that successfully, we can be confident of a good result.”
Similarly, Vietnam’s Okiyama Masahiko, while acknowledging the tough task at hand, also struck a positive note, highlighting that facing strong opponents will only benefit his players as they continue to develop.
“All players and the coaching staff have been giving their best and are approaching this competition with a lot of determination to achieve positive results,” said Okiyama.
“All players and the coaching staff have been giving their best and are approaching this competition with a lot of determination to achieve positive results,” said Okiyama.
#U20WAC - Preview: Group Stage Matchday One
“We will be facing strong opponents with good technique and tactical abilities, so we will try our best to prepare well and maintain a strong mindset to face the challenge.
“Moreover, besides the results, playing in this tournament and competing against Asia’s top age-group teams is a great opportunity for our players to gain experience and move closer to the national team in the near future.”
“Moreover, besides the results, playing in this tournament and competing against Asia’s top age-group teams is a great opportunity for our players to gain experience and move closer to the national team in the near future.”
Like his counterpart, the 58-year-old is hopeful that the intense preparations, which included numerous friendly matches, will stand his side in good stead as they look to begin their campaign on a positive note.
“Right after the Lunar New Year, we gathered in Hanoi and then had a camp in China PR where we played friendlies against local clubs,” he said.
“After that, when we returned to Vietnam, we continued to play friendly matches before coming to Thailand. We have worked hard, not just the players, but the entire team, including the coaching staff, and are entering the competition in high spirits, hopeful of achieving a positive result in our opening match.”
“Right after the Lunar New Year, we gathered in Hanoi and then had a camp in China PR where we played friendlies against local clubs,” he said.
“After that, when we returned to Vietnam, we continued to play friendly matches before coming to Thailand. We have worked hard, not just the players, but the entire team, including the coaching staff, and are entering the competition in high spirits, hopeful of achieving a positive result in our opening match.”
China PR v Vietnam
Venue: Nonthaburi Stadium (Nonthaburi)
Kickoff: Wednesday, 16:00 (UTC +7)
Venue: Nonthaburi Stadium (Nonthaburi)
Kickoff: Wednesday, 16:00 (UTC +7)
Related News
Item 1 of 5