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Agence France-Presse

China coach Ante Milicic said his “brave” team was tracking in the right direction despite their crushing loss to Australia in the Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals.
The defending champions lost in Perth on Tuesday to a moment of magic from star Matildas striker Sam Kerr, who sealed a 2-1 win for the hosts.
Wednesday’s second semi-final pits form team Japan against South Korea.
“I thought we were brave. We tried to press the opposition at times, but in the end they have that individual quality and that was probably the difference,” Milicic said.
Despite the defeat, it was a step forward for a team whose results have been disappointing since lifting the trophy in India four years ago.

They bowed out in the group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, failed to reach the Paris Olympics, and were hammered 8-0 by England last November.
Australian Milicic, who has been in charge since May 2024, said they were on the right trajectory heading into the World Cup in Brazil next year.
“I think part of my job was to bring some new faces into the team. I really feel I have a good idea what this team needs, what it’s lacking, and what’s working well,” he said.
“But at the same time you have to understand that the next step for this team is the World Cup, so that’s another step up again.
“So you have got to keep evolving, picking the right players in the right training environment, getting the mix, the balance right.”
Milicic, who coached Australia at the 2019 World Cup, leading them into the last 16, said he was “very proud” of the improvements he had seen during the Asian Cup “both on and off the field”.
“I think the way that they’ve been open to a new way of playing, a new way of learning, a new way of training. That’s what impressed me the most,” he said.
“Their mentality is excellent. They are such a joy to work with.”


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Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

Women’s Asian Cup: China coach says team on right track despite semi-final heartache

China’s head coach Ante Milicic discusses his side’s Women’s Asian Cup defeat to Australia. Photo: EPA

China’s Chen Qiaozhu (right) can’t hide her emotions after the loss. Photo: AFP

Women’s Asian Cup: Kerr’s stunner knocks holders China out, sends Australia into final

China’s players gesture to their supporters after the Women’s Asian Cup semi-final against Australia in Perth on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Australia’s Sam Kerr (left) scores the goal that sends her side into the Women’s Asian Cup final. Photo: EPA

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The Hong Kong Jockey Club expects to start racing at Conghua Racecourse in October. Illustration: HKJC



The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Ronald Chan (front left) and Guangzhou tourism bureau’s Li Ruolan (front right) signed the memorandum of understanding. Photo: HKJC

Sport

Football

Ante Milicic says ‘brave’ team evolving ahead of next year’s World Cup in Brazil. Japan face South Korea in second semi-final on Wednesday


Ante Milicic says ‘brave’ team evolving ahead of next year’s World Cup in Brazil. Japan face South Korea in second semi-final on Wednesday.


Ante Milicic

Women’s Asian Cup: China coach says team on right track despite semi-final heartache

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Ante Milicic says ‘brave’ team evolving ahead of next year’s World Cup in Brazil. Japan face South Korea in second semi-final on Wednesday

Ante Milicic says ‘brave’ team evolving ahead of next year’s World Cup in Brazil. Japan face South Korea in second semi-final on Wednesday