Chinese Women's Football Team Secures Quarter-Finals with Two Consecutive Wins; Final Match Against North Korea Marks First Real Challenge

Reported by Wang Wei On March 6, in the second round of Group B of the Asian Cup held in Australia, the Chinese Women's National Football Team defeated Uzbekistan 3-0, thereby locking in a quarter-final berth with two consecutive wins. In the 30th minute of the first half, Shao Ziqin converted a penalty to break the stalemate. Li Qingtong scored by slotting into an empty net in the 6th minute of the second half and later added a header, securing the victory for China.

In the first group match, China narrowly defeated Bangladesh Women's Football Team by two goals, with the team's offensive performance appearing somewhat restrained and unsatisfactory. Before the second match against Uzbekistan, head coach Milicic stated that rotations would be made in the second game and confirmed that three overseas-based players would start.

Milicic made extensive rotations in the starting lineup against Uzbekistan. Compared to the first group match, nine changes were made to the starting eleven, with only goalkeeper Chen Chen and center-back Wang Linlin retaining their spots. The other nine starters were replaced by center-back Yao Wei, left-back Chen Qiaozhu, right-back overseas player Li Mengwen, Guangdong natives Li Qingtong and Wang Yanwen, Zhang Xin, Zhang Linyan in midfield, with Wu Chengshu and Shao Ziqin leading the attack.

Observers might note that Milicic's starting lineup against Uzbekistan closely resembled the one used in the friendly against Newcastle Jets Women's Football Team on February 27, except for replacing Wang Ying with center-back Wang Linlin; other positions remained identical.

Thus, from the extensive rotations between the first and second group matches, it appears Milicic had planned this approach. His aim was not to use the same squad for all three group matches, but more importantly, to deploy the best-performing players in the third match against North Korea and the knockout stages.

After defeating Uzbekistan, Chinese Women's Football head coach Milicic addressed this topic: "We made many adjustments to the starting lineup for this match; these players have been regularly involved. We have now utilized 23 outfield players (excluding goalkeepers). Clearly, we have prepared for this situation for some time," Milicic said post-match. "Overall, I felt the game was under our control. The initial pace was slow, requiring extensive passing and movement to gain dominance. Creating genuine opportunities is our desired state, and we will continue to demonstrate this through our performances."

Two consecutive wins secure advancement! Women's Asian Cup: China 3-0 Uzbekistan, Li Qingtong scores twice, Shao Ziqin nets one! Next match against North Korea!

After kickoff, China immediately launched attacks. Their efforts paid off in the 30th minute when Shao Ziqin from Jiangsu was dragged down in the box by an Uzbek defender, resulting in a penalty which Shao Ziqin converted.

China's offense intensified in the second half. The team's first goal from open play came from their 15th shot of the match. In the 51st minute, Uzbek goalkeeper Jonimkulova collided with her own player and fell; the referee did not stop play, allowing Guangzhou player Li Qingtong to score into an empty net, making it 2-0. China's third goal arrived in the 77th minute, with Li Qingtong heading in an assist from Zhang Xin to complete a brace. China ultimately won 3-0.

Li Qingtong was named Player of the Match. Under 27 years old and from Guangzhou, she attended Houleyuan Street Primary School in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, a football-focused school nurturing many notable Guangzhou footballers. In her third-grade second semester, she was spotted by Haizhu District amateur sports school coach Luo Yaochang and recruited for training at Baogang Stadium. After the Guangzhou City Games in 2011, her standout performance led to selection for Guangzhou Women's Football. In 2016, she was promoted to Guangdong Women's Youth Team. In October 2020, she first joined the Chinese Women's National Team training list.

At the 15th National Games, Li Qingtong captained Guangdong Women's Football to a bronze medal. Early in 2026, she and Chen Qiaozhu were loaned from Guangdong Women's Football to Beijing Women's Football.

Post-match, Li Qingtong said: "Very happy we won this match. We kept our mentality balanced, performed better each game, and executed what the coach trained us to do. Next match, I believe we should continue showcasing our strengths, trusting the coach and teammates." Regarding the Asian Cup goal, this Guangzhou native stated: "Our aim here is the championship."

In another Group B match, North Korea defeated Bangladesh 5-0, also achieving two consecutive wins. Both teams, widely expected to advance together, have six points each, securing the top two group spots early and advancing to the quarter-finals. At 17:00 Beijing time on March 9, China will face North Korea for the group top spot; this match represents the first truly tough challenge for China in this tournament.

Regarding the upcoming match against North Korea, head coach Milicic said: "We anticipate performing excellently and giving our full effort. We know the spectators will continue to support us passionately. The trait I most admire in this team is their unwavering confidence. We will prepare actively to recover, our core principles remain unchanged. After observing the opponent's tactics, we have two training days; we will maintain confidence and truly display our quality."