Women’s World Cup 2023: Everything you need to know about China

China′s World Cup 2023 fixtures, betting odds and statistics

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You can read all about Denmark, Haiti and England by clicking on their names here.

How did China PR qualify?

China qualified by winning the 2022 AFC Asia Cup. They smashed Chinese Taipei and Iran in the group stages, overcame Vietnam in the quarter-finals, ousted Japan on penalties in the semis before a 3-2 victory over Korea Republic in the final.

Team’s major tournament record:

World Cup

Best World Cup result: Finalists- 1999.

AFC Asia Cup

Best Asia Cup result: Winners- 1986, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2006 & 2022.

Olympic Games

Best Olympics result: Silver medalist- 1996.

China PR at World Cup 2023

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China PR are familiar faces at World Cups, having missed just one of nine editions to date, so will they maintain their record of having never been eliminated in the group phase?

Four years later, China got all the way to the final, smashing Norway 5-0 in the last four, but were heartbreakingly beaten on penalties by hosts USA at the Rose Bowl, following a goalless draw.

Since then, they’ve gone no further than the quarter-finals, falling at that hurdle in 2003, 2007 and 2015,

Four summers ago, China’s sole win came against South Africa, victorious 1-0 at Parc des Princes, sneaking through as a best-ranked third-place finisher, before a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Italy at Stade de la Mosson.

This round of 16 elimination is the earliest China have ever exited a World Cup.

Since that major disappointment, Shuǐ Qìngxiá has taken over and guided her country to their first AFC Asia Cup title for 23 years.

Back in February 2022, China beat rivals Korea Republic in the Asia Cup Final in Navi Mumbai, with Xiāo Yùyí making it 3-2 in extra time, securing the country’s eight continental title, but first since 1999.

So far this year, the Steel Roses have been smashed in friendlies by both Sweden and Spain; are they able to compete with Europe’s best?

Well, we’re about to find out.

China begin their World Cup campaign in Perth against Denmark, before traveling east to Adelaide where they’ll take on Group D’s minnows Haiti and then Euro champions England.

That opener against the Danes at Perth Rectangular Stadium could be crucial, as China aim to avoid exiting in the group stages for the first time ever, a fate that they could endure Down Under.

China′s key players: Zhang Rui

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Now 34, this might be midfielder Zhāng Ruì’s final chance to play at a World Cup.

In 2015, she made her World Cup debut off the bench against hosts Canada, but this was the only time she featured at that edition.

Then, four summers ago, she started all four of China’s matches in central midfield, and remains a main-stay in this team to this day.

In total, she’s made over 150 appearances for her country, scoring 30 times.

At club level, Ruì has spent her entire career playing domestically, joining Shāndōng Sports Lottery last year.

China′s key players: Wang Shanshan

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If China are going to make a deep run Down Under, their two strikers by the name of Wáng will be key.

First, Wáng Shānshān has scored an impressive 55 times for her country, including netting against Netherlands at the Olympic Games in 2021.

Since, she’s also scored five times at the Asia Cup, including netting in the quarter-final win over Vietnam and then the semi-final victory against Japan, the latter a 119th minute equaliser that forced penalties.

Like Zhāng Ruì’, Shānshān has also spent her entire club career in China, winning the Super League title with Dàlián Quanjian before moving to Tiānjīn Shengde in 2021.

China′s key players: Wang Shuang

(Alamy Stock Photo)

Not to be confused with her potential strike partner, Wáng Shuāng will also be leading China’s attack.

She’s a rare member of this squad who does not play domestically, joining Racing Louisville in NWSL last year, having previously spent the 2018/19 season at Paris Saint-Germain Féminine.

Stateside, she’s made 11 appearances so far this season, her sole goal coming in a 3-0 victory over Chicago Red Stars.

For her country, Shuāng has scored 43 times to date, including bagging all four as China drew 4-4 with Zambia at the most-recent Olympics.

She also netted five times at the 2022 Asia Cup, China’s joint-top scorer in India, alongside Wáng Shānshān, which isn’t confusing at all.

China′s possible starting line-up for World Cup 2023

China′s full squad for World Cup 2023

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Group D table