Chinese footballer Wu Chengshu speaks to reporters during a training session in Adelaide, Australia on July 9, 2023. (Xinhua)
ADELAIDE, Australia, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese footballer Wu Chengshu expressed Sunday that she believes her experience in the Australian league last season will help her adequately prepare for the FIFA Women's World Cup commencing this month.
On a cold afternoon blanketed by a drizzle, the Chinese national football team, having arrived in South Australia (SA) just a day prior, continued their training in Adelaide, SA's capital city.
Wu, who finished her first overseas season in Australia's top-division league earlier this year, participated in ten matches since she joined Canberra United last November.
Wu Chengshu (R) of Canberra United in action during the 2022-2023 season A-League Women match between Canberra United and Melbourne Victory in Canberra, Australia, March 18, 2023. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)
During her five-month tenure at the Australian capital club, the 26-year-old evolved into a regular starter, playing in various positions including defensive midfielder, second striker, and winger. She scored two goals.
"Having flown from summer to winter, I felt a bit cold when arriving at the airport yesterday, but today I'm acclimating," Wu told Xinhua during Sunday's training session.
"I've never been to Adelaide before. I find this city is larger than Canberra. It's a bustling city, which is quite good."
Wu, preparing with her teammates for her first-ever World Cup, stated that the Australian league is physically demanding and highly competitive, which provided her with valuable experience to face off against teams in this tournament.
Wu Chengshu in a training session in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, Australia, July 8, 2023. (Photo by Xie Sida/Xinhua)
China, after securing the Asian Cup last year, are positioned in Group D alongside England, Denmark and Haiti.
"The World Cup is the pinnacle of football. It's also a tremendous platform to showcase your abilities to the world," commented the 26-year-old Wu.
"For me, I will strive to seize the opportunity to play and leverage my technical strengths. Hopefully, our team can triumph."
Yang Lina (front) of China in a training session in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, Australia, July 9, 2023. (Photo by Xie Sida/Xinhua)
The 2023 World Cup will be hosted in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 through August 20.
Only the top two teams from the eight groups will progress to the round of 16, as this is the inaugural instance of the women's football's premier tournament expanding to a 32-team format.
China was eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2019 World Cup in France.
"This time, we're certainly aiming to set our sights higher as it fuels our motivation," head coach Shui Qingxia stated earlier this week before departing for Adelaide. ■
