That record is even more impressive considering their two matches in Mumbai have been their first international fixtures since Shui was appointed in October, with the new boss declaring she can see her team improving by the day.

 

“Today’s game was a very key game for the group stage and, in general, the Iran team is not as strong as the Chinese team, but we can see that our team is playing better and better,” she said.

 

“Although maybe some of the players felt a little bit anxious in the first half, we also learned from the shortcomings of the team and improved ourselves. In general, we played well.”

It was a day where the most experienced players in the Chinese line-up starred.

 

Wang Shuang was voted Player of the Match on her 27th birthday, while Wang Shanshan scored her 56th and 57th international goals, but it was 154-cap midfielder Zhang Rui who was among the post-match talking points, earning praise from Shui for her positive contribution as a half-time substitute. 

 

“Zhang Rui is an excellent player,” said Shui. “She plays a very important part in the team because she’s a very experienced player and she has experienced many international tournaments and matches.

 

“From this group stage, I hope Zhang Rui can grow through the tournament, and especially help our younger players.”

“Zhang Rui is an excellent player,” said Shui. “She plays a very important part in the team because she’s a very experienced player and she has experienced many international tournaments and matches.

 

“From this group stage, I hope Zhang Rui can grow through the tournament, and especially help our younger players.”

While China can prepare for a January 30 quarter-final in Navi Mumbai, tournament newcomers Iran were given a crash course in what it takes to compete at the highest level of Asian football by one of the continent’s best and most experienced teams.

 

Head coach Maryam Irandoost admitted her side were still learning at this level, and said their cause was not helped by the warm conditions in which the match took place.

“It was a very tough game, but my players tried hard until the last minute,” Irandoost declared.

 

“We have seen, even in the men’s World Cup, some great teams can concede seven goals. It’s the first time we’ve participated in this tournament, and it is a great experience for us.

 

“I do not want to make any excuses, but the humidity made the situation tough for our team. For the first 45 minutes the players did whatever I requested of them and showed their abilities, but in the second half they were so tired, even mentally, and they started to go down in the match.”

Despite their heavy defeat, all is not lost for Team Melli Banovan.

 

The Iranians will still advance to the knockout stage if they can defeat Chinese Taipei in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, with a win to send Irandoost’s side to second place in Group A.