Wu Haiyan hoping world will see more mature China PR team

Says she has grown into role of captain

Hopes that her side can go one better than 1999 finalists

It didn’t quite go according to plan for China PR captain Wu Haiyan and her team-mates in Canada in 2015. The team were hoping to ‘shock the world’ when they reached the quarter-finals, but fell short after a narrow 1-0 defeat to eventual winners, USA.

“2015 was a year with some regrets,” said Wu. “That year people learned that Team China was still young, but full of enthusiasm. After four years of effort, I hope this year we are to be recognised as a more mature, tactical and organised team.”

At just 26, Wu has immense responsibility on her shoulders as China looks to go one step further than the team of 20 years ago, when a Sun Wen-led side narrowly lost out on penalties to USA at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup™.

The defender said wearing the armband was something she found a little more difficult starting out, but has grown into the role, enjoying the responsibility of looking out for her ‘family’.

“Being a captain is the same as everyone else, we team up together. This entire team is a family to me, but as a captain I sometimes communicate more with other players.

“I was very shy in my young age, but I gradually found it meaningful and pleasant putting all my sisters together and doing something for them. Our team will be more united with everyone’s support.”

Wu will perhaps take inspiration from her sporting idol, tennis player Li Na. The Australian Open and French Open winner is one of China’s most recognised athletes, winning a host of major titles at the sport’s highest level. It is that success which drives Wu to want to do well this year in France, with her team due to face Germany, Spain and debutants South Africa.

“Li Na has had the largest impact on me. While representing the nation, she is so confident and powerful – this is what I need to learn from her.

“There are many legendary players in China who inspired me, but I play football because of my love for football itself. Football has provided me infinite happiness, and that will last forever.”