Off the wire
• Indian-controlled Kashmir capital shuts against police action on mosque, university  • China Exclusive: China mulling "green finance" to tackle environmental blues  • Kenya urges decisive action to defeat terrorism  • Iraqi forces capture Saddam Hussein's senior aide: PM  • Chinese banks lend more to green sector  • Syria state media says Hasaka city "safe"  • Sri Lanka to strictly implement election laws during key polls  • Weather forecast for world cities -- June 27  • Weather forecast for major Chinese cities, regions -- June 27  • 1st LD-Writethru: Top leadership studies anticorruption ahead of CPC anniversary  
You are here: 　 Home

(Sports Focus) "Steel Roses" win kudos despite World Cup exit

Xinhua, June 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

China's women's soccer team, known as the "Steel Roses", have won wide acclaim from the media and fans despite their 1-0 defeat to the United States in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

A brilliant effort from American captain Carli Lloyd smashed China's hopes of reaching the World Cup semis for the first time since 1999, but the Chinese team's impressive run in Canada has conviced many of a renaissance of the once-mighty "Steel Roses" in the making.

"The U.S. are the title favorites, so we are actually very satisfied with the result," said a fan surnamed Liao on Sina Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter. "China is the youngest among the 24 teams competing in Canada, so we have a bright future."

Facing one of the best defensive teams in the tournament, the U.S. found it hard to break the blocks with only Alex Morgan in front. With Abby Wambach, Rapinoe and Holiday on the bench, the Americans had to settle with a scoreless first half.

But the U.S. did not wait long for scoring as Lloyd jumped high to head home a through ball from Julie Johnston six minutes after the interval.

"There is a gap between Team China and the Americans. But the Chinese women footballers are tenacious. Well Done, Steel Roses! " the People's Daily wrote on Sina Weibo.

China has played in the World Cup six times, including the runner-up finish in 1999. But it has struggled in recent years to retain its early prowess, having missed out on the World Cup four years ago in Germany. Before the "Steel Roses" headed to Canada, few had expected them to reach the quarterfinals.

"Team China has made tremendous progress in recent years. Just like butterflies can't fly over the sea, nobody bear to blame the players. We shall thank them for bringing huge joy to us over the past two weeks," an Internet user named "Flying flag" wrote on the leading Chinese sports website Hupu.com.

Friday's matchup also reminded many fans of the 1999 World Cup final between China and the U.S., which was won by the latter after a penalty shootout.

"I watched both games with tears in my eyes," a netizen named "Dao Er" wrote on Tencent.com.

"Team China don't need to apologize for the loss this time. You have shown your strength and brought hopes to us. We are so proud of you and expecting more happy surprises from you." Endi