Photo: VCG

China's women's national football team finished the East Asian Cup as runners-up after a 0-0 draw with Japan in their last game of the tournament on Wednesday. 

Hosts South Korea won the tournament following a 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei. 

China drew 2-2 against South Korea before defeating Chinese Taipei 4-2 in their first two games of the tournament. 

In the first half against Japan, China created several chances during counterattacks. After the break, China turned the screw but were unable to convert a series of promising chances. In stoppage time, Japan also missed two golden opportunities, and the match ended in a stalemate.

The Chinese women's national team, also known as the "Steel Roses," features a squad of experienced veterans and promising young players, under head coach Ante Milicic. Young striker Shao Ziqin established herself on the international stage with three goals in the match, winning top scorer of the tournament. 

Milicic said after the game with Japan that both sides had played a fair match, demonstrating strong competitiveness and true sportsmanship. 

Out of the 25-member squad, 23 got the chance to play, and the young players gained valuable experience. The team is on the right track with a positive mindset and attitude, said the Australian, who started as coach in May 2024. 

Captain Wu Haiyan said that the team is currently undergoing a transitional phase between the old and new generations.

The tournament is a four-team mini-league held in South Korea, where each team plays the others once. 

The women's East Asian Cup was established in 2005. Japan has been the most successful team, winning the title four times, followed by North Korea with three wins and South Korea with two titles. The best result for the Chinese women's national team was finishing as runners-up three times.

Global Times