Ma feels in dream after reaching World Cup quarter-finals

Home>>Sports

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, October 03, 2003

Ma feels in dream after reaching World Cup quarter-finals

China women's soccer coach Ma Liangxing cannot believe that his team has already reached the quarter-finals of the fourth Women's World Cup.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

China women's soccer coach Ma Liangxing cannot believe that his team has already reached the quarter-finals of the fourth Women's World Cup.

"I feel like in a dream," Ma said. "Looking into the mirror after getting up this morning, I asked myself: 'Is it true?'"

But the Chinese coach said he still feels cold down his spine when thinking of the team's tough road to the last eight.

"We were just standing on thin ice," he said. "I could not helpthinking of Russian No. 4's deadly freekick and Australian No. 7's fantastic dribbling. Any mistake should have cost our chance to progress from the group."

China advanced to the knockout stage as Group D winner, edging Ghana 1-0, drawing Australia 1-1 before prevailing over Russia 1-0.

"This is my first World Cup experience. I am nervous and sleepless under so much pressure," Ma said.

He added: "Before every group match, my heart beat accelerated. I could not help that. Maybe I should have taken some pills. But finally I think I am a lucky man."

Ma, who took over as China coach in early 2002, said that he always washed his head with cold water the night before a match, which could help him ease the pressure.

"But I could not feel any pressure in match day mornings," he said. "There was only one world in my mind -- WIN."

After the last group game with Russia, Ma has been reading materials and watching videos of Canada's games in hopes to find some weaknesses of their quarter-final opponents.

"But I have not found their loopholes," Ma said. "I must stay up late every night to go over all the tapes and materials again.

"After coming to the United States, I always feel that time is not enough to prepare for a match, because this is World Cup."

Ma's team had two training sessions on Wednesday, China's national day.

"I am confident, so is every player in the squad," he said. "Wewill win the match for our country. A semifinal berth will be a perfect gift for China's 54th birthday."

Questions?Comments? Click here

China vs Canada: Tale of two coaches?

>> Full Coverage

Russia will honor pipeline deal with China: PM ( 7 Messages)

Shooting at Chinese fishing boat "a severe incident" ( 6 Messages)

American educational organizations win copyright lawsuit ( 3 Messages)

Suspects detained in Zhuhai massive sex scandal ( 4 Messages)

Marchers worldwide demand Iraq pullout ( 4 Messages)