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Chinese Top Woman Goalkeeper to Miss Universiade
Chinese top women goalkeeper Han Wenxia will miss the soccer competitions of the forthcoming World University Games, said Chinese goalkeeper coach Li Bi on Sunday.
Han, 25, had her cross ligaments torn at a friendly game in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea weeks before the Universiade which is officially open on Wednesday.
"Han's absence should have some impact on the team's strength because she is undoubtedly the No. 1 woman goalkeeper in the country," Li told Xinhua.
"No one in the country can match her size, skills and experience."
China's top woman goalkeeper used to be Gao Hong, who helped the Chinese women finish runners-up to the United States both at the Atlanta Games in 1996 and the World Cup in 1999, but she is now playing with the New York Power of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) in the United States.
China now have Gao Xuehua and Xiaozhen, both under 20, to replace Han's position.
"They are less experienced and this will be a good chance for them to grow up."
Hosts China, top title favorites in the 12-squad women's competition, will play their opening group match against Finland on Thursday.
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