[WOMEN'S WORLD CUP] Chinese women's soccer reached a new low. It won't be playing in next year's Women's World Cup in Germany after losing to Japan, 2-0, at home in the third-place game of the Asian Cup.

China, which has played in every world championship since hosting the 1991 finals, lost on goals by Kozue Ando and Washington Freedom star Homare Sawa.

The elimination will surely mean the ouster of Coach Shang Ruihua.

“I feel it is quite reasonable for me to leave the team,” Shang said. “I feel very sorry for the fans of the team.”

Australia was the surprise winner of the Asian Cup with a shootout victory over defending champion North Korea.

Australia and North Korea will join Japan in Germany next summer.