Report by Wang Wei At 17:00 Beijing time on March, the Chinese women's football team will compete against North Korea in the third round of the Asian Cup group stage. Having a net goal deficit of three compared to their opponent after the first two games, they must win to claim the group's first place. "In tomorrow's game, no one can shrink back!" stated Chinese team coach Milicic.

How will the starting lineup be set up?

Originally, expectations were that the Chinese women's team would accumulate more net goals in the first two matches and then draw with North Korea in the final game, which was considered the most economical strategy. Unfortunately, in the first match against the weakest team Bangladesh, China only scored two goals, and in the second match against Uzbekistan, they only managed three. To secure the group's top position, the only path is to defeat North Korea.

In the first two matches, Milicic extensively rotated the squad. Among the 26 team members, except for two substitute goalkeepers, all players have already appeared on the field. Such a level of rotation is not commonly seen in major tournaments. In fact, Milicic employed this approach even in the pre-Asian Cup warm-up matches.

"Every player is important to the team. They understand that each one has earned the coaching staff's trust and is capable of playing in such high-level competitions," Milicic said.

Given the opportunity to play, the players naturally exhibit strong fighting spirit, fostering a healthy competitive atmosphere. However, a question arises: who exactly constitutes China's starting lineup? Will they deploy the full main squad against North Korea?

Currently, goalkeeper Chen Chen has played in both previous matches and is likely to start again in this game.

In the defensive line, right-back Li Mengwen is expected to start. Left-back Chen Qiaozhu started as captain in the previous round and should continue. The center-back pairing requires Milicic's consideration. Wang Linlin played full time in both rounds, while Wu Haiyan and Yao Wei each appeared once. Wang Linlin is likely to start again, and the choice of her partner depends on Milicic's decision.

In midfield, Zhang Rui, Wang Shuang, Zhang Linyan, Li Qingtong, Zhang Xin, Wang Aifang, Liu Jing, and Wang Yanwen each started only once in the first two matches.

On the forward line, Wu Rigumula, Jin Kun, Sha Ziqin, and Wu Chengshu each started once. Wu Rigumula attended the pre-match press conference and is highly likely to start.

Milicic stated that he selects players and starters not based on reputation or age, but only those who meet tactical requirements, especially those in good form. Moreover, in such a tightly scheduled cup competition, fitness is a major issue; it's impossible to rely on a single lineup throughout.

At the pre-match press conference on March 8, Milicic indicated that they have analyzed North Korea. "The opponent may apply high-pressure pressing against us." He believes China must stabilize their formation and bravely control the ball. "In tomorrow's match, no one can retreat."

Milicic said if the players remain calm and focused, coupled with fan support, they can create sufficient trouble for North Korea. "There might be mistakes, but the key is how we respond after them. We need to find ways to control the match tempo and convert the diverse attacking methods displayed in the first two games into advantages and victories."

Where exactly are the issues with the women's football team?

From the first two group stage matches, the public is dissatisfied with the Chinese women's team's form. North Korea serves as a litmus test, potentially magnifying China's weaknesses once again.

Within the women's football circle, it is believed that this tournament features a relatively older average age for Chinese players and insufficient reserve talent. Chen Chen, who started in both rounds, is considered a newcomer, but more are familiar faces.

A domestic women's football coach thinks players performing well in the league should be given opportunities. As a national team coach, one must consider the overall perspective of women's football. "In the Women's Asian Champions League and International Champions Cup matches, Wuhan's Jiang Chenjing performed well and should have the capability to join the national team."

Another women's football coach acknowledges that having few promising talents is a reality. "Currently, whether it's veteran players or young ones, as a coach, one must stimulate their individual characteristics and potential, focusing on the collective."

In the past, the Chinese women's football team earned the title "Steely Roses." Many believe this was due to other countries not prioritizing women's football at that time. A former national team player disagrees: "After so many years, the United States, Germany, Sweden, and Brazil remain strong teams; only Norway has weakened somewhat. The decline in Chinese women's football level is largely related to our own development." She believes the current Chinese women's team lacks a clear direction.