China's Coach Points to 'Gap' Before Defending Women's Asian Cup Crown

China's head coach Ante Milicic concedes that the nation trails well behind the leading nations in women's football while the Asian powerhouse seeks to achieve an unexpected feat with consecutive continental triumphs.

The Women's Asian Cup starts on 1 March, featuring Japan, North Korea, and host country Australia as primary challengers for the trophy.

Although China holds the current title and boasts the richest legacy in the tournament's records, the era when they dominated globally has faded into history.

Performances following their victory in India four years back have proven especially underwhelming.

They exited early in the group phase at the 2023 Women's World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, missed qualification for the Paris Olympics, and suffered a crushing 8-0 loss to England in November.

The Australian born Milicic, appointed in May 2024, described restoring China's past prominence as "a significant duty".

Currently ranked 17th by FIFA, China once climbed as high as fourth.

"Guiding the national squad for a vast nation with a huge population full of enthusiasm presents an enormous test," he shared with the Asian Football Confederation's online platform.

Highlighting the immense challenge for China in the Asian Cup and further ahead, the 51 year old remarked: "Progress in women's football accelerates rapidly.

"Investments grow, fan interest surges, and standards elevate sharply. Nations like China must bridge the divide, as the disparity exists."

The surge in European women's football stands out starkly, evident in China's resounding defeat by England at Wembley.

"China alongside several other Asian countries should prioritise developing talent to elevate national squads to compete at superior levels," noted the ex Australia manager.

"Advancements in Europe have reached new heights, obvious to all who track the sport there."

China begins its campaign to retain the title versus newcomers Bangladesh on 3 March.

Group B also includes North Korea and Uzbekistan.