Chinese players line up before the women's hockey test match between Japan and China on April 27, 2024 in Perth, Australia. [Photo/Xinhua]
PERTH, Australia – The Chinese women's hockey team completed a seven-week training program from mid-March to late April in the Australian city of Perth on Sunday, honing their skills and showcasing their strength in matches ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics. did. pitch.
One of the highlights of the program was China's participation in the 2024 Perth International Hockey Festival, where a team of 26 women players played against hosts Australia and Japan in a double round-robin format.
Since Australia's two-time Olympic gold medalist Alison Annan took over as coach in May 2022, China have risen from 14th to 8th in the world rankings ahead of the Perth game.
Three-time Olympic champions Australia, also known as the Hockeyroos, have remained a traditional powerhouse team for the past two years without falling out of the world's top three.
Meanwhile, Japan defeated Chile 2-0 in the Olympic qualifiers in January and broke into the top 10. China and Japan were also selected to be in the same pool at the Paris Olympics, and are preparing for an early matchup in the group stage with the aim of advancing to the quarterfinals.
The first match between China and Australia on April 21st during the Perth International Hockey Festival ended in a 2-2 draw. China led 2-0 at half-time thanks to performances from Zou Meirong and Chen Yang, but Australia erased the lead in the second half.
On Tuesday, China recorded a resounding 4-0 victory over Japan at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The Chinese team won seven penalty corners in 60 minutes, but the opponent team could not get any.
After the match, Annan told Xinhua that “it was a great match” as the Chinese women dominated in the first round and the match was in their way. “We've been consistently good and that's what we want to be,” the head coach said.
“In the last year, each individual has become a better hockey player,” she observed, adding that players are spending “more time than ever” watching footage to increase their knowledge and strengthen their fitness. He pointed out that he trained hard.
“Statistically, teams are breaking the circle and taking more shots on goal, while their opponents are getting fewer shots, and that's what we're looking for,” Annan said.
The Test series progressed to the second round, with China fighting back from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Australia 3-2 in Wednesday's match, which moved them to seventh place in the FIH standings.
A well-coordinated pass from the right found Cheng at the far post, and his easy finish allowed China to equalize at the crucial moment.
“We had already defeated Australia at the beginning of this year. We have played three games against Australia so far, one win, one loss and a draw. I feel our confidence grows with each win. “I'm here,” said Chen, 27-1.
On Saturday night, China defeated Japan again, securing a 4-1 victory. Nine penalty corners and one penalty stroke were awarded to Chinese players, with Gu Bingfeng and Chen scoring two goals each.
“We started slow. We let them be a little too involved in the play. But after that, we controlled the game. We moved the ball, worked hard, and we connected. We're a very good team. And we'll see the result tonight,” Annan said after the game.
With less than 100 days left until the Paris Olympics, Annan revealed that the entire team is aiming to win a medal.
“We have everything to win the Olympics. We have nothing to lose. Teams are looking at us now. They're thinking, 'Okay, China is doing really well now.' “Two years ago, they didn't think that.''It's also a big step for other teams to look at us, analyze us, and watch how we play.'' the coach said.
“We are doing everything we can to make that dream come true. It is a difficult job. But we are not under any pressure. We are growing and learning every day. ” she added.
