SYDNEY, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China head coach Ante Milicic said Sunday that his team can make life difficult for their next opponent if the players have the confidence to reach their maximum in their final group match at the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Defending champion China will play against DPR Korea at Western Sydney Stadium on Monday night. Both sides have won their opening two matches and sit atop Group B with six points, having already secured their places in the quarterfinals.
"It's obvious that we are playing against a very strong opponent that showed the quality in the first two matches. At the same time they also have a lot of players that have international experiences, particularly at U-20 and U-17 World Cups," said Milicic.
"We are fully aware of the task that is in front of us. But at the same time we will focus on ourselves. We believe in ourselves. We feel that if we can perform our maximum we can give tomorrow's opponent a difficult match."
The tournament is Milicic's first major competition as China's head coach since his appointment in May 2024. Monday's match is seen as the real test so far for his side.
"We will again prepare as many details as we can. And I believe the players can remain calm and focus and give 100% tomorrow. If they are supposed to be the same that we can give them a difficult match," he said.
DPR Korea, ninth in FIFA rankings, is one of only two Asian sides in the women's top 10 along with eighth-placed Japan. DPR Korea tops the group on goal difference after beating Uzbekistan 3-0 and Bangladesh 5-0 in its first two matches.
Their high pressing has made it hard for opponents to move the ball cleanly from defense into midfield, something Milicic and his staff have been studying.
"So, it's up to us to getting able to start positions first and foremost to be brave, to want to have the ball," he said.
"They have to understand that there will be mistakes which is normal. So again, we'll come up with a few ways that we believe we can get some control of the match."
Chinese forward Wurigumula said the team will follow the tactical and technical instructions from the coaching staff and enjoy the match.
"DPR Korea is a very strong team. But we have a very good preparation. I believe we will deliver a high-quality match for both fans and ourselves," she said.
DPR Korea head coach Ri Song Ho, who led their youth team to win the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2024, said he had brought seven young players from that squad to the senior national team.
"I learned some valuable experiences from that U-20 tournament. But it's the Asian Cup, which is different," he said, adding that his side aims for the victory for Monday's match. ■
