U17 coach Ma: aiming for the top podium

"I think all the credit goes to these girls; they put everything I envisioned out on the pitch. Next, I hope we can work even harder and lead them further." Head coach Ma Xiaoxu spoke emotionally after China defeated France on penalties to reach the U17 Women's World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history.

On October 29 (Beijing Time) in Rabat, Morocco, China U17 faced France U17 in the Round of 16. After 90 minutes and extra time ended 0-0, the match went to a tense penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Niu Ziqi made two crucial saves, helping China secure a 4-3 victory on penalties and reach the quarter-finals for the first time, setting a new tournament best for the team.

Facing a French side known for its intricate passing and physical advantages, the Chinese team focused on defense throughout the match. Through compact positioning, relentless running, and coordinated cover, they repeatedly thwarted French attacks, enduring long spells of high pressure to keep the deadlock and take the game to penalties. At the spot, the players showed great composure to convert their kicks, while Niu Ziqi's key saves made her the hero of the night.

Regarding the team's long-term goals, Ma Xiaoxu stated: "Personally, I haven't explicitly told the players what our ultimate goal is, but I believe in competitive sports—whether as an athlete or now as a coach—our goal is always the top podium. I hope we can take solid steps forward toward our dreams and goals." She also specifically praised the team's resilient defensive performance and Niu Ziqi's outstanding display.

Along the way, this young team has continually adapted to high-intensity matchups at the World Cup, tempering their mentality under pressure and carrying on the never-give-up spirit of Chinese women's football. According to the schedule, China will face Brazil U17 in the quarter-finals at 2:00 AM on November 2 (Beijing Time), another tough battle ahead.

This hard-fought victory is a valuable test for youth women's football development. The experience of high-quality international tournaments is an indispensable lesson for young players' growth. Having cleared the hurdle against France, a new challenge lies ahead. We look forward to seeing the girls continue moving steadily toward their dreams.