China to rely on team work in World Cup opener against Ghana

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, September 21, 2003

China to rely on team work in World Cup opener against Ghana

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China head coach Ma Liangxing said Friday in Los Angeles that his Steel Roses will rely on team work rather than individual skills in their Women's World Cup opener against Group D rivals Ghana here on Sunday.

Ma said he had found the ways to beat the African team after studying some video tapes of their matches but also warned the players that the first match will be tough and every one must be very cautious.

He said: "Ghana have a similar style of play to Nigeria. They have a few excellent players, but overall we are stronger than them. They will depend on their physical prowess and explosive power to threat our defense."

The China boss added: "I cannot disclose our tactics for the match. But I can tell you that we will rely on team work to beat them."

China, who lost to Nigeria 3-2 in a friendly at home in August,will play Ghana on Sunday at the Home Depot Center, Carson. A win will give their massive confidence and can almost assure them a quarterfinal berth since Australia and Russia, the other Group D rivals are comparatively weak.

The Chinese women crushed Ghana 7-0 in the last World Cup but the Africans have been well prepared for the match.

"We are not afraid of any team," said Ghana's goalkeeper Memunatu Sulemana. "Four years ago, we were disorganized but this time we have a good coach, who have taught us how to play as a team. We have been training here for six weeks and are ready for the World Cup."

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