On the afternoon of September 27, the women’s final of the 2025 FISU University World Cup Football took place at the Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium.
The host team Shanghai University of Sport from China faced off against Laval University from Canada. After a fierce contest, Shanghai University of Sport emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, claiming the championship title of this edition of the tournament.
From the outset, both teams quickly settled into the game. In the 3rd minute, Laval University’s player GRONDINES scored with a close-range shot, giving her team a wonderful start. However, Shanghai University of Sport swiftly responded, equalizing in their first attack after the kickoff when Sun Fangxin’s cut-in shot from near the penalty area was inadvertently deflected into the net by a defender, leveling the score at 1-1. As the match progressed, Shanghai University of Sport gradually took control of the proceedings, creating numerous scoring opportunities. In the 21st minute, Yin Lihong received a through pass and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, putting her team ahead. At halftime, Shanghai University of Sport led 2-1.
In the second half, Shanghai University of Sport continued to dominate their opponents. Chen Xinyue was brought down in the penalty area by a defender, prompting the referee to award a penalty. However, Chen Xinyue’s own penalty kick hit the post and went wide, missing an opportunity to extend the lead. In the 73rd minute, Yin Lihong seized possession in the penalty area, deftly danced past a defender, and slotted the ball home with ease, extending the lead to 3-1. Neither team managed to score thereafter, and Shanghai University of Sport ultimately secured the championship.
After the match, Shanghai University of Sport’s head coach Ye Zhijing commented that scoring the first goal is often challenging, especially after conceding an early one in today’s game. Nonetheless, the team quickly leveled the score, which helped the players relax mentally. He acknowledged that the Canadian team was highly skilled and that winning against them was no easy feat.
Regarding in-game adjustments, Ye Zhijing admitted that a 2-1 lead was not entirely secure, prompting him to substitute in an attacking midfielder in the second half to further extend the lead, a strategy that paid off as expected.
29 Sep
