China aims to perform better in upcoming Asian Cup matches, says winger Zhang Linyan

PERTH, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China is aiming to raise its level as the AFC Women's Asian Cup enters the knockout stage, Chinese winger Zhang Linyan said on Thursday morning.

Speaking before the team's second training session since arriving in Perth, Zhang said the three straight wins in the group stage were now behind them and that the squad's immediate target was to reach the semifinals.

After beating the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in its final group match, defending champion China will face Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Zhang said the team was pleased with the victory over DPRK but quickly turned its attention to the next game.

"We all know that was just one match and the tournament is only halfway through," she said. "The next matches will be knockout games, so regardless of the opponent, the most important thing is for us to focus on ourselves and adjust as quickly as possible."

In the previous match against DPRK, Zhang started alongside fellow winger Wang Shuang, forming one of China's key attacking combinations.

Zhang said the two had often played together in attack during the team's pre-tournament training camp and had developed a strong understanding of each other's game.

"Shuang has taught me a lot, including how to approach the game, how to link up better on the field, and how we play when Shao Ziqin serves as the attacking focal point," she said. "We have plenty of communication."

The quarterfinal lineup has now been finalized. In the other ties, Australia will face DPRK, South Korea will play Uzbekistan, and Japan will meet the Philippines.

The four semifinalists will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four losing quarterfinalists will compete in playoffs for the remaining two World Cup places.