This is a rematch of the 1999 World Cup Final when the US beat China in penalties. After the 1999 Women's World Cup, China failed to qualify in latter tournaments. Many officials attribute China's lackluster performance to its one child policy. Many parents and schools were reluctant to risk injury in sports over education. However, over the last decade the Chinese Government has placed a new emphasis on sports and performance. Chinese officials are revitalizing plans to prioritize soccer in thousands of schools throughout China. If China beats the US on Friday it will certainly help in reenergizing women's sports in China.
edited by rmartinez on 6/24/2015
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