China's Coach Predicts Open World Cup

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, September 10, 2003

China's Coach Predicts Open World Cup

China's coach Ma Liangxing said Tuesday the upcoming women's soccer World Cup will be widely open as none of the teams has clear advantage over others.

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China's coach Ma Liangxing said Tuesday the upcoming women's soccer World Cup will be widely open as none of the teams has clear advantage over others.

"No one has convincing edge over others, and the competition isquite open," said Ma, who arrived here Tuesday night. "I would say at least eight teams have the chance to win the trophy."

The Chinese team selected Washington as the final warm-up site of the tournament, which is slated for Sept. 20- Oct. 12.

China will play with North Carolina on Sept. 12 and with Swedenon Sept. 15 before the opener against Ghana at Carson, California, on Sept. 22.

Led by 1999 World Cup top-scorer Sun Wen, China wrapped up their warm-up matches with five wins and one loss at home, losing only to Nigeria 3-2.

"This is a different team compared to the one in 1999 for we have some new blood, but the spirit of the team does not change," Sun said. "This team inherits from the brave and iron spirit from the old one. We'll try our best."

The line-up will be announced after the warm-up match against Sweden, Ma said.

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