Defense-minded to brace for Canada's attack

Chinese women's soccer national team are expected to take a defensive approach against Canada in the World Cup opening game on Saturday.

The Chinese side mainly trained ways to defend free-kick and corner kick attack in their training sessions prior to the match. They were also trying to develop a compact game-plan with the aim to launch lethal counter-attack.

"We have prepared for the game step by step according to our plan, and my players are well prepared now," said China head coach Hao Wei.

"We are confident to qualify for the knock-out stage," the 38-year-old said.

As China's leading scorer Yang Li quit the team due to knee injury, China struggle to find other players to fill in the void left by Yang.

China will look to defend first and hit on the counterattack, especially against the host nation in the tournament's opener.

In front of a sell-out crowd at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium, John Herdman's Canada side will attempt to grab all three points.

"Our aim is to win every match and win the group," said Herdman.

"This group of women believe they can go all the way and they've got a greater purpose. They've got a greater purpose than any other team at this event. A much greater purpose. And when you've got one of them, it gives you a chance of going places you never thought you could get to," he said.

The Canadians have been slowly rounding into form ahead of the tournament, as evidenced by a 1-0 friendly victory over England last week.

Canada's challenge will be to unlock the Chinese defense without giving up too many opportunities at the other end of the pitch.

Canada and China have played 26 times since 1987, with China holding the overall advantage, winning 14 times to Canada's five.

However, the teams have only played head-to-head three times since coaches Herdman and Hao have taken their posts, with Canada winning by one goal in all three of those contests: 1-0 in 2012 and 2013, and 2-1 in January. Endit