China coach promises attacking game against New Zealand

China head coach Hao Wei said on Sunday that his side will take an offensive approach against New Zealand in their last World Cup group game.

China, who beat the Netherlands 1-0 after losing to Canada by the identical score, will play New Zealand on Monday in a game which will decide which side could qualify for the knockout stage.

Hao said his side will not play for a draw, and instead they will try to win in hope of qualifying for the final 16 as the Group A top finisher.

"As I said before, the last group game will decide the rankings. We will do our utmost to get three points, we will not play for a draw," Hao said.

China kept the helpless Netherlands at bay with a fluid passing game, and Hao warned the New Zealand side that his team could be more dangerous.

"Our team is improving. I think we should perform better than the last two games," he said.

The Chinese side is being hit by injuries with the possibilities that goalkeeper Wang Fei and captain Wu Haiyan could be sidelined.

But Hao was not concerned about that.

"It is normal to have some minor injuries, but that did not affect my team," said Hao.

Wu, a right full back, said she was hopeful to play on Monday.

"I can train now, hopefully I could play tomorrow. But it depends on my recovery," she said. Endi