By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-26 09:31

China's women's soccer players are distraught at the prospect their coach will be dumped after failing to meet the benchmark set in her contract.

Swedish born coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors has graciously accepted responsibility for China's exit from the FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals and now awaits the discretion of Chinese Football Association (CFA) officials.

Marika Domanski-Lyfors failed to lead China's women's team into the World Cup semifinals but national fans and officials took hope from the team's encouraging performance and expect Marika Domanski-Lyfors to be retained for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. [China Daily]

But the vocal support of both players and chief officials are strong signs that the dignified mentor will be retained - and steer the team to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

"We should cheer for the players and the coach, and give our thanks to Domanski-Lyfors," Xie Yalong, vice-president of CFA, said in an endorsement of the brand of attacking soccer played by China.

China's 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Norway on Sunday, a consequence of a number of fluffed goal chances and a crucial defensive blunder from rookie Wang Kun, left players, coaches and spectators weeping at the Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium.

No one blames Wang - neither teammates nor usually critical media - but she said it would take some time to recover from the shattering moment.

"I am concerned if the coach will leave the job because of the mistake," she lamented.

"I really cannot forgive myself for it - it almost ruined all my performances in the past matches."

The World Cup debutant won acclaim during China's group matches, but her stunning blunder in the penalty area saw her fall from grace.

"But for the mistake, I am very much satisfied with myself. I've paid for the inexperience and it might be a life-long regret."

The youngster also pleaded for Domanski-Lyfors to be allowed to move on with the team.

"She was kind and true-hearted to us," Wang said.

"She made us feel we are returning to be a strong team. We all like her so much. I hope she will stay and take us to the Olympics."

Striker Han Duan failed to find the net in all four World cup matches but insisted Domanski-Lyfors could lift China to a higher level.

"I cried after the match. She came to me and comforted me," Han said. "We should be proud of ourselves.

"We were making progress and we are getting more aware of our shortcomings, which are so much significant for the preparation of Beijing Olympics.

"Domanski brought us many positive things, making us play as a team and encouraging us to keep upbeat for the future. We are very happy and we hope she could stay."

Han's embattled partner Ma Xiaoxu, the golden shoe winner of last year's World U-20 World Championships who finished her first senior event scoreless, said it was the saddest moment during her career when players and coaches embraced in the locker room after the Norway defeat.

"When we were told she may leave the team, everyone could not help crying. I tried to be strong but did not hold it," she said.

"I was not at my best in the world cup and left so many disappointments. But I am going to leave everything behind and summon up again for the future competitions."

'I want to stay'

Failing to achieve the minimum target of semifinals according to her contract with CFA, Domanski-Lyfors knows her fate is now out of her hands.

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