China women’s football team fails to qualify for Paris Olympics

XIAMEN, China, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) — China drew with South Korea 1-1 in the 2024 Olympic women’s football Asian qualifiers here on Wednesday with both teams failing to qualify for Paris Olympics.

“I feel sorry that we couldn’t win the match. I want to thank my players that they have tried their best. We wanted to improve our match, but it didn’t work out,” Chinese head coach Shui Qingxia noted.

Before the start of final round of group B matches, DPR Korea and South Korea both had four points to lead the group, while China ranked third with one point less. The host team had to beat South Korea to keep their qualification hopes alive.

In the 21st minute, Wurigumula netted for the home team, but the goal was ruled out due to Wu Chengshu’s offside in the build-up.

South Korea had their best scoring opportunity of the first half in the stoppage time, when Ji Souyun hit the post in a counterattack after receiving a through ball from Phair Casey.

The away team broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute as Shim Seo-Yoen headed home in a free kick. 15 minutes later, Wang Shanshan’s header levelled for China thanks to a precise cross from Yan Jinjin.

China was close to score a winning goal in the 85th minute, but Yan’s one-on-one shot in the penalty area went just wide.

In the other group B on Wednesday, DPR Korea thrashed Thailand 7-0 to top the group with seven points, two points ahead of South Korea. China is at third with four points, while Thailand suffers three straight defeats.

According to the rule, three group winners Australia, DPR Korea and Japan as well as the best runner-up Uzbekistan with six points have advanced to the final stage of the Asian qualifiers, which will decide the two qualifying teams for the Paris Olympics.

“We have to learn from all the losses and find the right path in the future,” Shui added.