AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
In securing a semi-final berth, the 2006 champions also ensured they would be one of Asia’s four representatives at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland later this year, giving Bell all the more reason to celebrate with his side to play Japan in the semi-finals.
#U20WAC | Q-final: China PR 2-1 Uzbekistan
Savouring the moment, the Englishman did not hold back in commending his charges, but also acknowledged the spirited fight Uzbekistan put up, especially in the second half.
“We played really well and completely dominated the first half,” said Bell. “Compared to the rest of the competition, I think the football we played in the first 45 minutes was some of the best we’ve produced so far."
“We started a bit slowly in the second half, and Uzbekistan are a very strong team, which they showed by taking their chances when we dropped off, especially in the last six or seven minutes, when my team made some mistakes they shouldn’t have.
“That is when the Uzbekistan side showed their spirit. But all credit to my girls for keeping their nerve.”
With Uzbekistan pulling one back in the second half and coming close at least twice in the final 10 minutes, Bell admitted that a performance as dominant as China PR’s should have yielded more goals.
“When you’re so dominant, you’ve got to put the ball in the net more often, and the feeling after the match should have been one of euphoria for reaching the World Cup, not relief,” said the former defender.
“After the way we played the first half, it should have just been about burying it, which did not happen.
“It was my remit to take my girls to the World Cup, and as a head coach my heart was stopping towards the end, but I was trying not to put too much pressure on them,” he added.
“Hopefully, the euphoria will settle once the relief wears off. After all, these are just kids and they’ve got to enjoy it.”
