On August 1, 2023, the Women's World Cup proceeded in Australia and New Zealand. China's Women's Soccer Team suffered a devastating 6-1 defeat to England's Women's Soccer Team in Group D's final group match, marking China's first failure to advance from the group stage.
Before this round, England had won both matches, ranking first in the group with 6 points. In contrast, Haiti was last in the group after losing both matches. Although China and Denmark both had 3 points, China ranked third due to the win-loss relationship.
Theoretically, all four teams in Group D could vie for two qualifying spots. However, facing England, which had control over their fate, China's Women's Soccer Team needed a full 3 points to improve their chances of advancement.
Historically, China's Women's Soccer Team had faced England five times, maintaining a favorable record with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Their last encounter was during the 2015 Yongchuan International Tournament when China narrowly defeated their opponent 2-1.
Yet, at this World Cup, England's team had already undergone a significant transformation. The match also stood as a direct confrontation between the Asian and European champions.
England's team, one of the fastest-growing European teams in the last decade, hadn't suffered a single loss throughout 2022, and ultimately secured their first championship by defeating the traditional powerhouse, Germany, in the European Cup finals.
Historically, England's Women's Soccer Team had participated in the World Cup six times. In the previous two World Cups, this rising European team had made it to the semi-finals.
Currently, England ranks fourth in the world, leading China's Women's Soccer Team, which ranks 14th, making them the toughest opponent in the group.
Facing the strong adversary, Shui Qingxia, the head coach of China's Women's Soccer Team, stated before the match that it was essential to have a correct positioning and understand the pace of European women's soccer. Regardless of what happens during the match, the important thing is to fight for every ball and play at their level.
In this match, Wang Shuang returned to the starting lineup, replacing Zhang Rui, who was given a red card in the previous match. England's Alessia Russo scored the first goal in the 5th minute, taking England into a 1-0 lead.
Afterward, China's team, visibly disadvantaged in size, struggled to control the ball, while England gradually took over the rhythm of the match. England's Lauren Hemp and Lauren James each scored in the 26th and 41st minutes, respectively, bringing the halftime score to 3-0 in England's favor.
After the break, China's Women's Soccer Team took a more active offensive stance. In the 53rd minute, Wu Chengshu took a long shot outside the box, creating a corner kick opportunity for China. Following a handball violation by an England player in the box, Wang Shuang scored from the penalty spot, bringing the score to 3-1 in England's favor.
However, Lauren James, who had an excellent performance in this match, continued to score for England. She scored a brilliant goal in the 66th minute and assisted teammate Kelly to score in the 77th minute.
In the 84th minute, England scored another goal, ending the match with a 6-1 victory over China.
In the other match in the group, Denmark defeated Haiti 2-0. At this point, the rankings in Group D were settled. England won three consecutive matches, securing the top spot in the group with 9 points. Denmark won the second qualifying spot with 6 points. China and Haiti ranked third and fourth, respectively, and were eliminated.
China's Women's Soccer Team had participated in the World Cup eight times, failing to qualify only once in the 2011 Germany Women's World Cup.
In the 1999 United States World Cup, China secured the runner-up position, marking their best performance in history. In the 2019 France World Cup, China's team was stopped at the top 16, marking their first time not making it to the top 8 in the World Cup.
The current Women's World Cup marked the first time the tournament had been expanded to 32 teams, and following their elimination from the group stage, China's Women's Soccer Team failed to make the top 16 for the first time.
As of now, the group matches in Groups A to E have all ended. The final matches in Groups F, G, and H will kick off shortly.
The knockout phase of the tournament will begin on August 5, 2023, Beijing time.
