Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Chengdu: Shang Ruihua's two-year tenure as China coach looks to be at an end after suggesting he will step down following the Steel Roses 2-0 defeat to Japan at Chengdu Sports Centre on Sunday in the third place play-off of the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Goals from Kozue Ando and Homare Sawa meant the tournament hosts failed to secure a place at next year's FIFA World Cup, marking the first time that China have not played at the global showpiece since it's inception in 1991.
And Shang, who took charge of the national team for a second time in 2008, took full responsibility for his side's failure to live up to expectations in Chengdu.
“I am already over 60 years old and my tenure as head coach has always been a transitional one,” he said.
“We could not qualify for the World Cup and I feel it is quite reasonable for me to leave the team. I feel very sorry for the fans of the Chinese women's football team.”
China never really seemed to get going against Japan and once Ando put her side ahead in the 18th minute, the result rarely seemed in doubt.
The Steel Roses were a dominant force in Asian football throughout the 1990s but have only managed to claim the AFC Women's Asian Cup title once since the turn of the century, with DPR Korea seemingly becoming the new powerhouse in the continent.
But Shang believes there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic that China can return to the glory days in the future.
“I think we did our best in terms of tactics and in fighting spirit,” he added.
“I would like to thank all the players not just for how they played in this match but in the whole tournament.
“I feel we can see that the future of women's football in China is good.
“The Chinese Football Association concentrates a lot on women's football. I believe with their continued support and from authorities and the government, Chinese women's football will continue to develop.”
Meanwhile, victorious Japanese coach Norio Sasaki was pleased his side recovered from the disappointment of missing out on a place in the final to finish the tournament on a high and secure their place at the 2011 Women's World Cup.
“All the players did their best and had a strong mind and spirit,” he said. “I would like to praise my players for their performance today.
“We didn't expect to win this game but we had a mentally strong and aggressive mind to do the best in this match.
“We recovered our mental and physical condition after the semi-final defeat against Australia.
“We represent Asia and football from this region is getting better and we hope we can play well at the World Cup.”