As the only EAFF women’s team in the Games, China PR faced host nation Brazil in a grueling first match. Despite their best efforts, China PR’s defenders failed to withstand that Brazilian onslaught – not to mention their dominance in midfield – resulting in a 3-0 defeat for the Asian side. However, the team picked up their offensive stance in the match against South Africa, with Gu Yasha leading the team to a goal in additional time in the first half. In the dying minutes of the game Tan Ruyin doubled the lead with a long-range shot from approximately 35 meters, giving her side a 2-0 victory. Some stern defending in their following game against Sweden ended in a 0-0 draw, and put the team through as Group E runners-up.

The first half of the quarterfinal match against favorites Germany, ranked 2nd in the FIFA Rankings (as of 11 August 2016), saw some fine save work by the goalkeeper Zhao Lina. Going into the second half with a score of 0-0, the team lost their main offensive force when Wang Shanshan was sent off the pitch. With one player less than the other side, in the 76th minute Germany’s midfielder Melanie Behringer scored. However, six minutes later Wang Shuang was fouled in the penalty area, giving the Chinese team a penalty kick. Wang took the shot herself. However, it was not her day, as the ball deflected off the post, and the team was sent packing.

Though the side was unable to secure a medal, which would have been the second consecutive one for an EAFF side after Japan took silver in the London Olympics, China PR demonstrated resilient defense work and witty attacking in the face of some of the world’s best sides. The unforgettable experiences the talented players collected in Brazil are sure to serve as a pillar for the future.