Chinese women boost confidence ahead of clash with Australia at Algarve Cup

Chinese women's football team showed their strong confidence before facing up world No. 6 Australia in the final round of 2017 Algarve Cup group phase.

China recorded a goalless draw with Sweden, five places ahead of them on FIFA world rankings on Friday.

"We are much more confident after head coach Bruno Bini took over, and will spare no efforts to win no matter who our opponents are," said forward Wang Shuang after Sunday's practice session, adding that the result against their Swedish counterparts would not bring too much joy or surprise to the team.

"We always believe in ourselves in competing with any opponent stronger than us," she added.

Left back Liu Shanshan would rather emphasize on the confidence the team gained from a draw with Sweden.

"Without doubt, the result boosted our confidence and helped us a lot in finding our familiar style," she pointed out.

Wang attributed the draw to teamwork, which China would continue to focus on in the matchup against Australia, the opponent they tied 1-1 in Asian qualifications for Rio Olympic Games almost at the same time one year ago.

Then China and Australia went through the six-team qualifications to Rio.

"One of their wingers left a deep impression on me. But football is not a game depending on one player but all the 11 players on the pitch. So we need to focus on teamwork, and we are not afraid of any opponent," said Wang.

After next Monday's group finale, the best two group winners will compete in the final, but China have already missed their title chance after nailing one draw and one loss.

"We will still play 100 percent to ourselves against Australia," commented Wang, whose opinion was echoed by her teammate.

"No matter who we face next, the win is always our target," Liu said. Endit