Host's hopes up in the air at World Cup
Updated: 2007-09-17 09:33
WUHAN: China's head coach is crossing her fingers Brazil dishes out the same treatment to Denmark during the last group match of the Women's World Cup after the formiddable South Americans thumpd the home side 4-0 on Friday.
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The Brazilians are three competition points clear of both Denmark and their latest victim China and possess a far superior for-and-against goal scoring record - nine compared to the Danes' one and China's minus three - meaning they are all but assured of progressing to the quarters.
China's coach, Marika Domanski-Lyfors, is hopeful her charges can now beat New Zealand by a large margin and the South Americans do the same to the Danes.
"Brazil has very good position in the group with six points while China and Denmark have three points each," the Swedish mentor said.
"I hope Brazil will be professional and play the best game and field the best team against Denmark."
China might fall short of qualification even if it wins its final pool match against New Zealand.
"If Brazil lost the match to Denmark, it would be very, very difficult for us as we have to score many, many goals against New Zealand."
Local media have speculated that Brazil would not field its best players for the side's third match.
But Brazil has dismissed suggestions it would treat Denmark lightly.
"Brazilians have always been playing the best games," said Jorge Barcelos.
"Yes, we have six points but we will still try to do the best in our third match against Denmark.
"Wining every match is very important for us to gain confidence, because we are coming here to win the World Cup. We have to be 100 percent ready at any time."
Even if the fancied Brazilians lose to Denmark by one or two goals, they will most likely still finish top of the group.
China, on the other hand, will have to overpower the Kiwis by at least five goals if Brazil loses by just one.
Domanksi-Lyfors expressed her disappointment at China's failure to score one or more goals against Brazil.
"We tried to go for a win in this game and I think we did a very good first half," she said. "We should have scored two goals but we did not. We made a mistake and lost a goal in the last minute of the first half and that was crucial.
"Now firstly we have to beat New Zealand and score as many goals as possible and then we have to hope Brazil will beat Denmark."
International star Marta was instrumental in Brazil's win against China scoring two superb goals and setting up another two for teammates.
But Domanski-Lyfors refused to accept her players should have doubled up on Marta in defense.
"Brazil is a better team," she said.
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