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Chinese fans expect their "Steel Roses" to go deep in World Cup

Xinhua, June 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

China survived the tough challenge from Cameroon in Edmonton with an early goal from Wang Shanshan to book a quarterfinal berth on Sunday morning (Beijing time) at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.

The victory gifted China the first win in the World Cup's knockout stage in last 16 years. China had been the runners-up in the 1999 World Cup and then were called "Steel Roses" by fans.

A lot of Chinese kept low-profile over their home team prior to the World Cup. But the viewpoint changed just after the World Cup opener between China and the hosts Canada. Despite it was a defeat for China, Chinese fans believe that the Chinese women team is capable of going deep.

China will probably face its historic rivals United States in the quarterfinals, which is regarded as a hurdle for China. China had found few chances in the past Olympics and World Cups against the former World Cup champions. But Chinese players shake off the recent memory and are confident of themselves this time.

China's midfielder Wang Shuang expects China to progress further. "There would be chances for us in the quarterfinal no matter who we face next, top four even the final is not unreachable for us."

Wang Shanshan, who has scored two goals at this World Cup so far, said: "I squandered many chances in one-on-one situation today and our goal of the World Cup is to finish with a medal."

Han Peng collided with a Cameroon defender in stoppage time and needs six stitches on her forehead for the bump. "The artificial turf here will limit America's advantages of body strength and speed, We have chance to break through," said Han.

China had a 1-1 draw with the United States in Brazil's four-nation tournament last December, which ended China's eight constitutive defeat to the United States.

It's Han Peng who had scored the equalizer for China. Endit