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PORTLAND, United States, Sept. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- China's striking force in the
Women's World Cup quarter-finals will be stronger, skipper Sun Wen said here on
Sunday.
The 30-year-old said it will not be a problem for the Steel Roses when they
face Canada in the last eight next Thursday.
"I don't think our striking force is poor," she said after China beat
Russia 1-0 Sunday night to reach the quarter-finals as Group D leader. "Although
sometimes we lacked a bit of killing touch, I don't think it's a problem."
But Sun, named Player of the Match, admitted that the Chinese forwards were
not confident enough before the goal but they are sure to score more goals in
the knockout stage.
"Strikers usually don't feel well in uneven matches, as we had in the three
group games. But they can get better when the games become closer," said the
Chinese captain, Gold Ball award winner in the last World Cup.
China created numerous chances in the game against Russia but managed only
one goal. Midfielder Zhao Lihong even blasted a penalty kick wide in the 21st
minute.
"It is also important to create chances," Sun said. "That does not mean our
finishing ability is poor."
China should have needed at least one point to enter the last eight if
Ghana, who had already been eliminated, lost to Australiain an afternoon game.
Ghana finally won 2-1.
But Sun didn't think the Ghana win was important for China.
"We knew that we could win the match," Sun said. "We knew how serious it
would be if we failed in the group stage. No one back home will forgive us."
She said that the atmosphere in the team is not as exciting as expected.
"It is very peaceful in the dressing room."
Sun, one of the finest players the world football has ever seen,said China
can rely on team work, instead of individual skills, tobeat Canada next
Thursday.
"I don't know a lot about Canada," she said. "But I know they are very
strong individually. Our teamwork, however, is better. Itwill be a close game
but I am confident we can win." Enditem | 
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