(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-21 17:32

TIANJIN -- China head coach Marika Domanski said in Tianjin on Thursday that she believed the hosts can reach the semifinals of the Women's World Cup.

China's coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors from Sweden watches a ceremony before the start of the soccer match between New Zealand and China at Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in Tianjin September 20, 2007. [Reuters]

China, who defeated New Zealand 2-0 in their last Group D match to qualify earlier on the day, will meet Norway in the quarter-finals.

"It will be a tough game for both sides and we will do everything to win," said Domanski. "We are aiming to reach the semifinals. I think it is a good target for the host."

China beat Norway 5-0 en route to the finals at the 1999 World Cup, but Domanski, a former Swedish national head coach who took the helm early this year, warned that her team must keep a cool head.

"It (5-0 results) was a long time ago. Both China and Norway have changed a lot during past years."

China will meet Norway in Wuhan on Sunday.