World Cup Competition a Source of Pride in Beijing

For the Chinese, the women’s World Cup final between the United States and China on Saturday has come to represent more than just a soccer matchup between two longtime rivals.

Coming on the heels of the NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia in May, the face-off at the Rose Bowl has become a matter of national pride and patriotism, with Chinese fans eager for a decisive victory.

“We will win--we have to win,” said one woman here in the Chinese capital. “We can’t let the U.S. beat us. Not now.”

Although the women’s tournament has not sparked the same soccer frenzy here that attended the men’s World Cup last year, support for the Chinese team is strong. In a survey published in this week’s Beijing Morning Post, 93% of those who responded said they plan to wake up early to watch the live broadcast when it airs at 4 a.m. Sunday.

“Of course I’m going to watch it,” said a 24-year-old Beijing security guard, surprised that there would be any doubt. “Everyone is going to watch it. It will be a great game.”

Since China’s surprise shutout of reigning champion Norway during the semifinals, confidence has run high that the Chinese team will go on to claim the title. According to the Beijing Morning Post survey, more than 92% of Beijingers believe that China will defeat its U.S. hosts.

But people are under no illusions that it will be an easy task. The Chinese team faces a variety of obstacles.

Fans here worry about the extensive travel the Chinese team has endured. Since the beginning of the tournament, the team has made four cross-country trips, alternating between coasts for each of its games.

“Our team must be very tired,” said a young businessman who gave only his last name, Wen. “They have played so many games in such a short time and traveled such a long distance. It can’t have been so difficult for the U.S. team.”

Overall, however, Chinese fans are proud of their team.

“Even if they lose, we are still very proud of them. Getting to the final round of the World Cup, even if you come in second, is a very impressive thing,” Wen said with a grin.

“But,” he added, “we will win.”