Off the wire
• At least 6 killed, thousands displaced by flash floods in Kenya  • Technological innovations key for economic growth: WIPO  • S. African police clash with protesting students  • Rebel rocket attack kills 5 in Syria's Aleppo  • Online retailers report record-beating sales on Single's Day  • England rugby coach Lancaster quits  • Zambian leader optimistic of overcoming economic challenges  • Roundup: Taliban confirms clash with IS in S. Afghanistan  • Serbian PM pays tribute to victims of Srebrenica massacre  • Ancient Tibetan monastery renovation completed  
You are here: 　 Home

China to show "footballing philosophy" in AFC U16 women's championship semi-finals

Xinhua, November 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

Coach Gao Hong has emphasized the importance of China's "footballing philosophy" as she readies her side to face DPR Korea in the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 women's championship here on Thursday.

The East Asian powerhouses also faced off at the same stage of the continental tournament two years ago in a game which 2007 champions DPR Korea emerged 3-1 victors.

And with the winners of the 2015 semi-finals also securing their spot at the next year's FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Jordan, there is added incentive for the "Young Steel Roses" to claim what would be a sweet revenge.

"I'm looking forward to the game against DPR Korea because it's an opportunity for us not only to win the match, but also to show our footballing philosophy," said Gao, whose side are looking to approach their first final, after having been out of the semi-final stage twice since the tournament started in 2005.

"DPR Korea always plays long balls to their forwards relying on physical strength, but this is not the kind of game we want. We would like to get more fun via controlling the ball."

After playing out an enthralling 3-3 tie with South Korea in their opening Group A fixture, China went on to secure a 4-0 win over Iran and 5-0 victory over Thailand to claim top spot in Group A.

"We were focused absolutely on attacking rather than defending," added Gao. "I want my team to be able to play this way against DPR Korea.

"Our players don't have fixed positions - we need to be flexible and move all over the pitch. This is how we should play football in the young age."

Opponents DPR Korea, meanwhile, will look to keep their good run of form that saw them claim 5-0 and 4-0 victories over Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan, before playing out a 1-1 draw with Japan. Endi