Women’s Asian Cup: China coach tells players to stay ‘calm’ in Chinese Taipei quarter-final
Reigning champions bidding for record-extending 10th title but are wary of opponents who have shown improvement over the tournament
China coach Ante Milicic urged his players on Friday to remain “calm and confident” in a charged Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final against Chinese Taipei.
The reigning champions are targeting a record-extending 10th continental title but are wary of opponents who have shown improvement as the tournament has progressed.
Chinese Taipei were beaten 2-0 by strongly fancied Japan in the group phase but were by no means outclassed.
“They gave Japan a very difficult game and then went on to win their next two matches, so we know this will be a tough proposition,” Milicic said ahead of the clash in Perth on Saturday. “But if we execute our game plan and perform to the level we know we can, that should be enough for us to get the result.
“If we follow a clear process, remain calm and confident and take it one game at a time, we can be successful and hopefully go further in the tournament.”
Like China, Chinese Taipei have enjoyed strong support at the tournament in Australia, but it has not been without controversy.