Adelaide, Australia, July 22 (Xinhua) -- On the evening of July 22, the Chinese women's football team will welcome Denmark, the first opponent of the World Cup. Judging from the problems reflected in the warm-up game, enhancing the thickness of the midfield and improving the ability of the midfield to assist in defense is the key for the Chinese team to strive for a "good start" on the basis of good defense.
Since arriving in Australia on July 8, the main framework of the Chinese team has gradually surfaced through training and teaching competitions. Zhu Yu, who was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament at last year's Asian Cup, is expected to make his World Cup debut.
On July 18, Chinese goalkeeper Zhu Yu signed autographs for fans after training. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ding Xu
At the back, fit, defensive consistency and how to deal with Denmark's threatening set-pieces are areas to focus on. The central defender may be a veteran with a newcomer, namely Wu Haiyan, who participated in the World Cup for the third time, Yao Wei, who changed from the back to play as a defender, and Wang Shanshan, the captain who may have a cameo central defense, paired with "post-00s" Wang Linlin and Dou Jiaxing. Li Mengwen, who played for the "Grand Paris" women's team last season, has improved her confidence since returning to the national team, and can assist on the wing in due time and is expected to play as a right-back. Chen Qiaozhu, who hopes to "pull the fullest form" before the game, is a possible candidate for left-back.
Chinese female footballer Wu Haiyan trains on July 18. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Yibo
For the Chinese team, which is good at playing the 442 formation, the midfield is an area that needs to be strengthened. Looking back at the warm-up games in the first half of the European training, when the playmaker midfielder Zhang Rui partnered with another back, once he encountered the opponent's broken ball and counterattacked, it was often difficult to form the first barrier in front of the defensive line. Therefore, the veteran Zhang Rui sometimes has to run long distances to rush back to the restricted area to save the danger, which consumes a lot of physical energy. Looking back at Denmark's warm-up match against Sweden and Spain this year, the team pays attention to defense, is good at playing 433 formation, instigating attacks and breaking the ball to counterattack, will quickly pass the ball to the front trio, from defense to attack fast, is a big test for the Chinese team's defense.
Chinese player Zhang Rui (center) during training on July 15. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Zhang Yang)
Therefore, strengthening the level and thickness of the midfield is something that the coaching staff will take into account when fine-tuning tactics. If Zhang Rui's technical ability to control, get rid of and deliver key balls is to be fully utilized, two back teammates may appear behind her, and the three will form a triangular position to compress the space for the Danish team in the midfield, improve the backfield defense and midfield conduction ability. Yang Lina, who plays in the Spanish league, Yao Lingwei, who is good at playing at the back, and Gao Chen, who has played fullback and back, are all possible candidates.
Chinese players Zhang Linyan (front left) and Wang Shanshan (front right) during training on July 21. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Yibo
On the two wings, "post-00s" junior Zhang Linyan basically locked one wing. With her close to the foot speed of European players, her delicate ball sense combined with human ball, and excellent breakthrough ability, she is equivalent to the role of the "Mbappe corridor" for France, and is expected to deliver key passes and create set-piece opportunities. On the other hand, Wang Shuang has always been a trusted ace player for his teammates. Wu Chengshu, who scored two goals in this month's teaching match, is in good form and could also start.
On the front line, Wang Shanshan, who has the ability to protect, pass and score goals, is undoubtedly the best candidate. But in the case that the veteran may need to play as a central defender, players such as Wang Shuang, Tang Jiali and veteran Lou Jiahui may also lead the striker. Considering that there are also technical players Zhang Xin and Gu Yasha, as well as Xiao Yuyi, who is good at playing fullbacks and forwards, I believe that the coaching staff will have rich tactical reserves.