PERTH, Australia, March 18, 2026 (AFP) - 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. 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. "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."

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 18, 2026 09:50 UTC