'Steel Roses' need to 'take a breath' right now, says coach Bini
Chinese women's national team coach Bruno Bini said his team needs to take a break before starting preparations for the Rio Olympics, as the team returned to China after qualifying for the Olympic soccer competition.
"It's unimaginable we finally made it to the Olympics," the 61-year-old told reporters through an interpreter after arriving at the Beijing International -Airport on Thursday. "But for now the team needs to take a rest, to take a breath."
The Frenchman, who took over the team in September last year, led an unbeaten Steel Roses team to win three of the five Olympic qualifying matches in Japan, including a win over former world champions Japan 2-1.
Hailed by hundreds of fans as -heroes at the airport, the athletes looked ecstatic.
Captain Li Dongna said the team was "doing their best" in Japan, as the team managed five matches in 10 days.
"It's a pity we didn't win the last match," Li said of China's match against Australia on Wednesday, which Australia equalized 1-1 only five minutes before the final whistle.
"But we are progressing match by match."
Twelve teams will vie for the Olympic gold medal in Rio, including four from the top 10 in the FIFA rankings.
China, who placed second at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, did not qualify for London 2012 after playing host in 2008.
Midfielder Gu Yasha, who -represented China in the Beijing Olympics, said she expects China to reach the semifinals in Rio.
"If I am going, this would be my -second Olympic Games," said the 25-year-old. "I was very young [in 2008], and didn't feel too much about the Games."
China stepped into the last eight in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, but hit a slump due to managerial changes.
Keeper Zhao Lina, who was the starting goalkeeper in all five matches -after Wang Fei retired from the national team, said she feels very lucky but also burdened after qualifying for the Olympics.
"But the coach told us to stay optimistic," Zhao said.
China only conceded three goals when the 24-year-old Zhao was between the sticks.
Defender Wu Haiyan said the five "tough" qualification games have -boosted the team's confidence, but said the team needs to make significant -improvements in the coming months.
"We are going to face better teams in Rio, we need to improve body balance and some technical skills," said Wu, who skipped the team at the 2015 Women's World Cup.
Veteran forward Ma Xiaoxu, who scored the opening goal against Australia, has suffered ups and downs due to knee injuries. She said she is very happy to be back in the national squad, and vowed to do more for the team.
