Red alarm for China’s women’s World Cup hope

Just 23 days before the FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil, the Chinese team's preparations are far from satisfactory in most aspects and the recent two straight defeats to Australia have rung the red alarm for the so-called "Steel Roses".

If the first training match 3-2 loss to the Matildars four days ago was not so stunning (after all China rallied from two goals down to equalize, and saw ace player Ma Xiaoxu quickly back into form), this humiliating 3-1 failure against the same team after awkward process nearly torn the Roses into pieces.

Although China had a well-organized start and created several clear great chances during the game, they were obviously dwarfed by the visitors who did not bring on all major players, and had it not been the referee's mercy they could finally ended in 4-1 or 5-1.

"I think it will not do any good, or even do harm to China in the World Cup," said Australia boss Tom Sermanni, directing to the Chinese referee's doubtful decision on several occasions.

China coach Marika Domanski had to look at the bright side of the game, saying that the team should find confidence from loss to win, and convert the deep lesson to more positive things.

"Of course the result is important, but we should also look at the process. We created some good chances, but the players should know how to seize the chances."

Domanski maybe right with the confident mood after an awful result before the showpiece tournament, but it's the process that makes the most serious problem. Technically, tactically and psychologically the Chinese team all seemed to go wrong in so urgent time.

The defence line was out of shape, rightback Weng Xinzhi was so fragile facing the Australian's No. 7 Heather Garriock, while captain Pu Wei exposed her weakness in the paces before Sarah Walsh's speed. How could such a disorganized defence system meet the stronger attacks in the World Cup?

The midfielders are challenged by tough Australian defenders, and gradually lost their accurate and fluent short passes in the game, which also made the forward pair Han Duan and Ma Xiaoxu lack of ammunition, the old problem is still them.

Psychologically the players were apparently nervous before a near full-house 54,000 new stadium, and became too anxious when lagging behind.

Domanski has only three final tune-up games in 24 days to make changes and improvement, and the Swedish just needs enough luck under the current circumstances to make success in the World Cup.