26 years after World Cup final loss to USA, are China’s women even best in Asia?

Exactly 26 years after being beaten on penalties in the World Cup final by the United States, China’s women have been warned they are in danger of not even being the best side in Asia.

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While their 1999 rivals have gone on to win the global tournament twice more, and added four Olympic golds, the Steel Roses have spiralled and are now ranked 17th in the world, with Asian Games and Asian Cup golds the peak of their achievements.

On Wednesday, they were held to a 2-2 draw by South Korea in their opening game of the East Asian Football Championship, despite going ahead twice.

Overthrowing their old foes looks as far away as ever, and China head coach Ante Milicic said they risked losing the Asian Cup crown they won in 2022 if they could not develop a killer instinct.

Leading South Korea 2-1 deep into stoppage time at Suwon World Cup Stadium, China were heading for their best result under Milicic’s leadership, until Ji So-yun crashed home a long-distance equaliser, leaving China still hunting a notable victory since the Australian Milicic took charge last May.

Ji So-yun (No 10) celebrates her brilliant equaliser against China. Photo: AP

Of the four defeats they have suffered in 12 matches, the most one-sided was a 3-0 loss to the US last month.

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