Chinese Women's Football Team Stops at Semifinals, Milicic Avoids Discussing Future

Report by Wang Wei On March 17th Beijing time, in the Women's Asian Cup semifinal held at Perth Stadium in Australia, the Chinese women's football team lost 1-2 to Australia, stopping at the semifinals. Reviewing the entire tournament, the Chinese women's football team, initially not favored by outsiders, delivered a fairly good performance. After the match, Chinese women's football team coach Milicic praised the players' performance: "The team had commendable aspects and performed excellently." Regarding his own future, he stated he did not wish to discuss it excessively.

As predicted before the match, the Chinese women's football team almost fielded the same starting lineup as against North Korea, only replacing injured Chen Chen with Peng Shimeng as goalkeeper and Wang Shuang, who was suspended, with Wang Yanwen. This was the strongest lineup the Chinese team could assemble.

During the match, the physically strong Wurigumula and tall Sha Ziqin pressed forward on the attack line, combined with Zhang Linyan's raids, putting significant pressure on the Australian team.

However, the home team scored first. In the 17th minute, the Australian women's football team, through clear coordination in the front field, scored first via Folde. But the Chinese women's football team did not panic and continued to apply pressure. With main player Wang Shuang suspended, Zhang Linyan, who had endured long-term injuries before this Asian Cup, took up the offensive banner. In the 26th minute, a long pass from China's backfield led to a mistake by an Australian defender in clearing the ball, and Zhang Linyan, who had already shrewdly advanced forward, obtained the ball, cleverly broke into the penalty area, evaded the goalkeeper to create a penalty, and personally converted it.

The first half ended with both sides tied. Australian coach Montemurro was very dissatisfied with his team's performance, believing they should not have actively retreated after scoring. "But once again our formation retreated too deeply, it's almost like a flaw ingrained in our bones and blood. We must press forward more, must be more courageous."

In the first half, the Chinese women's football team completed 10 shots, Australia only 2. The full match shot ratio was 14 to 8, with China showing stronger attacking desire. However, the Australian team demonstrated extremely high offensive efficiency, scoring 2 goals from just 3 shots on target throughout the match.

In the 58th minute of the second half, Kerr directly penetrated China's defensive flank, the defenders failed to follow closely, Peng Shimeng's rush out was also evaded, and Kerr calmly broke free before pushing the ball into the empty net from an extremely narrow angle.

Milicic subsequently made substitutions, with Jin Kun, Yuan Cong, Li Qingtong, Liu Jing, Wang Linlin etc. entering the field, but ultimately lost 1-2, missing the final. Substitute players Jin Kun and Yuan Cong also had good opportunities but failed to form truly threatening attacks, ending with regretful stoppage.

Although failing to enter the final, from the matches against North Korea and Australia, the girls displayed excellent mental and competitive states, which also gave outsiders hope.

After the match, Milicic stated: "The opponent's players had more outstanding individual abilities, perhaps this was the key to tonight's match outcome. But commendably, our players showed extraordinary courage when pressing the opponent."

Milicic stated the team delivered an excellent match, unfortunately lost, "But we at least deserved an overtime chance. Before the match, I only asked the girls to give their all, they did it. Perfectly executed the match plan, I feel proud and honored for them. Regarding the result, I am very disappointed."

"I am immensely proud of the girls' performance, their on-field display and off-field growth left deep impressions on me. I appreciate their willingness to embrace new match methods and lifestyles, such positive mentality is precious. Working with them is truly a joyful experience." Milicic said.

Milicic stated that team style transformation and some players retiring, many situations are quietly changing. He believes introducing fresh blood to the team is part of the job. Over nearly two years, I observed nearly 90 players. "I gained clearer, deeper understanding of the team's needs, shortcomings, and strengths. Simultaneously, we must understand the team's next target is the World Cup, that will be a completely new challenge. So, we must continuously advance, carefully select suitable players, create appropriate training environments, find proper personnel combinations and balance methods."

Regarding his own direction, Milicic stated he did not wish to excessively discuss the future, "I need to properly digest this match and many other matters."

There are reports that Milicic had an agreement with the Chinese Football Association before the Asian Cup to leave after playing the Asian Cup, and without违约金. At that time, the Football Association's intended successor was prepared, having left club duties ready to take over, but now the Chinese women's football team's Asian Cup performance is good, internal evaluation is positive, showing认可 for Milicic, under such circumstances, whether both sides change minds to continue cooperation is unknown.