STORY: Chinese footballer looks forward to World Cup debut in Australia
DATELINE: July 11, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:25
LOCATION: ADELAIDE, Australia
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Chinese national football team training
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): XIAO YUYI, Chinese footballer

STORYLINE:

Chinese footballer Xiao Yuyi on Monday shared her excitement about playing in the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time.

All 23 players on China's roster for the 2023 World Cup have arrived at the Team Base Camp in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia.

During Monday's training session, Xiao, who debuted in the Australian women's football top flight last season with Adelaide United, expressed her desire to make her dream come true.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): XIAO YUYI, Chinese footballer
"I think the World Cup is of great significance to every footballer. I think it is the highest-level international competition, which has been my dream since I was a child. I hope I can have more opportunities to play, and then give my all to aid the team in achieving good results."

Xiao, a 27-year-old forward, is versatile, playing either wide or as a second striker for the team.

She scored the winning goal in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup final last year when China rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat South Korea 3-2 and claim the trophy.

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup will be hosted in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 through August 20.

China, having reached the round of 16 at the 2019 World Cup in France, this time finds itself in Group D alongside England, Denmark, and Haiti.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Adelaide, Australia.
(XHTV)