China head coach Shui Qingxia said on Thursday that she would make tactical adjustments in her team's second Group D match against Haiti at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Players of China stand before the group D match between Denmark and China at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Perth, Australia, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

China, who reached the round of 16 in 2019, will face debutant Haiti at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide on Friday night.

As Denmark and England temporarily lead the group with three points, both China and Haiti need to win on Friday to keep their hopes of a last-16 berth alive.

Shui told media on Thursday that her side is well prepared for the challenge from Haiti.

"After the 1-0 loss to Denmark, this game is crucial. The whole team has watched the video of their matches and analyzing how to defend Haiti's fast counterattacks," she said in a pre-match press conference.

"In fact, there is pressure. Because their individual ability is very strong. But as a team, we will try to control the ball as much as possible and then reduce the chances for the opponents."

Despite ranking the lowest in the group, Haiti only fell 1-0 to England by conceding a penalty in their first group match, threatening the reigning European champions with swift counterattacks and clear opportunities in Brisbane last Saturday.

Shui said she will make some adjustments in some positions on Friday as the opponents are different in style.

The captain Wang Shanshan, who can play either as striker or central defender, is likely to move her position from the back to the front. Some young players may appear in the central defence.

Zhang Rui, who was playing in her third World Cup, said they would go all out to play with their own strengths to suppress their opponents.

"If you want me to rate myself for the match tomorrow, I hope to reach seven points or more out of ten. I hope that each of us can play our best," said the 34-year-old midfielder.

"When it comes to my third World Cup, I hope I can enjoy more from it."

The 2023 Women's World Cup, running from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand, will see the top two teams from each of the eight groups progress to the round of 16.

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