China's women's soccer players are distraught at the prospect
their coach will be dumped after failing to meet the benchmark set
in her contract.
Swedish born coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors has graciously
accepted responsibility for China's exit from the FIFA Women's
World Cup quarterfinals and now awaits the discretion of Chinese
Football Association (CFA) officials.
But the vocal support of both players and chief officials are
strong signs that the dignified mentor will be retained -- and
steer the team to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
"We should cheer for the players and the coach, and give our
thanks to Domanski-Lyfors," Xie Yalong, vice-president of CFA, said
in an endorsement of the brand of attacking soccer played by
China.
China's 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Norway on Sunday, a consequence
of a number of fluffed goal chances and a crucial defensive blunder
from rookie Wang Kun, left players, coaches and spectators weeping
at the Wuhan Sports Center Stadium.
No one blames Wang -- neither teammates nor usually critical
media -- but she said it would take some time to recover from the
shattering moment.
"I am concerned if the coach will leave the job because of the
mistake," she lamented.
"I really cannot forgive myself for it -- it almost ruined all
my performances in the past matches."
The World Cup debutant won acclaim during China's group matches,
but her stunning blunder in the penalty area saw her fall from
grace.
"But for the mistake, I am very much satisfied with myself. I've
paid for the inexperience and it might be a life-long regret."
The youngster also pleaded for Domanski-Lyfors to be allowed to
move on with the team.
"She was kind and true-hearted to us," Wang said.
"She made us feel we are returning to be a strong team. We all
like her so much. I hope she will stay and take us to the
Olympics."
Striker Han Duan failed to find the net in all four World cup
matches but insisted Domanski-Lyfors could lift China to a higher
level.
"I cried after the match. She came to me and comforted me," Han
said. "We should be proud of ourselves.
"We were making progress and we are getting more aware of our
shortcomings, which are so much significant for the preparation of
Beijing Olympics.
"Domanski brought us many positive things, making us play as a
team and encouraging us to keep upbeat for the future. We are very
happy and we hope she could stay."
Han's embattled partner Ma Xiaoxu, the golden shoe winner of
last year's World U-20 World Championships who finished her first
senior event scoreless, said it was the saddest moment during her
career when players and coaches embraced in the locker room after
the Norway defeat.
"When we were told she may leave the team, everyone could not
help crying. I tried to be strong but did not hold it," she
said.
"I was not at my best in the world cup and left so many
disappointments. But I am going to leave everything behind and
summon up again for the future competitions."
'I want to stay'
Failing to achieve the minimum target of semifinals according to
her contract with CFA, Domanski-Lyfors knows her fate is now out of
her hands.
"We did not do it as what we were talking about. That's why I
have to consider if I will continue and I will discuss with
CFA."
But asked if she would like to stay, Domanksi-Lyfors was adamant
she would.
"Personally I would like to stay," she said.
"But I have to make a decision after discussions with CFA. China
has the world's best fans and the best football atmosphere. I love
them and I love China.
"Right now I will continue to watch the World Cup and then take
a vacation."
If she is retained, Domanski-Lyfors will have 10 months to tune
up for the Olympics, where fans and official are expecting nothing
less than a medal finish.
"If I stay, I will talk something deeper about the team with
CFA. We have to do more work on players' ability in the penalty
area both in offense and defense," the embattled coach said.
The last match in which China peppered the world No 4
Norwegian's goal with 21 unsuccessful shots convinced
Domanski-Lyfors the team was capable of big things.
"The time is not much before the Olympics, but China has a lot
of potential," she said.
"We have showed in the World Cup that we can play with the
world's best teams.
"Whoever taking the team, China will be very much competitive in
Beijing. They have good chances to win a medal."
China got back on track with a string of victories after
Domanski-Lyfors took over in late March.
Women's soccer in China suffered a slump after the 1999 World
Cup, in which the "Steel Roses", spearheaded by star striker Sun
Wen and playmaker Liu Anling, grabbed silver, the country's best
result on the big stage.
Most Chinese recall the team's dazzling 5-0 win against
then-reigning champion Norway in the semifinal and the regrettable
penalty shootout loss in the final to host the United States.
Following the retirement of several stars, China failed to make
a smooth transition to the next generation because of a dearth of
talent and frequent coaching reshuffles.
Chinese fans were stunned by the team's 8-0 collapse to Germany
at the Athens Olympics and 4-1 loss to minnow Iceland at this
year's Algarve Cup.
(China Daily September 26, 2007)