Sun Wen defends China's poor finishing ability

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Sun Wen defends China's poor finishing ability

China's striking force in the Women's World Cup quarter-finals will be stronger, skipper Sun Wen said here on Sunday.

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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.

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