Statistics might not be in their favour but forward Manon Melis has warned that Women's World Cup debutants the Netherlands can overturn the odds against them when they play China on Thursday.

In ten games played between the two nations, the 12th-ranked Dutch have won just once.

But Melis, 28, who is the daughter of former Feyenoord and ADO Den Haag player Harry Melis, says that is in the past.

"It's been a long time since we've played against them. You can't compare the past with the present," said 125-times capped Melis.

"It's now 2015, it's a world championship and everyone has a chance."

China, nicknamed the Steel Roses, were a world footballing power in the 1990s finishing second in the 1999 World Cup after winning silver at the 1996 Olympics.

Coach Hao Wei blamed a lack of infrastructure compared to their rivals for the demise of the Chinese, who are now ranked 16th

"Our countries are different to the Netherlands. The Dutch team have good infrastructure this is a good advantage. We've been together for less than five weeks," the coach said.

China lost their opening Group A game 1-0 to Canada, while the Netherlands beat New Zealand by the same scoreline.

"In this game it's a toss up 50-50," he predicted of the clash in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium.

"We can't say for sure if it's a life or death game until the last game. The last game will determine whether we progress or not," he added of their final group match which will be against New Zealand.

But Chinese midfielder Wang Lisi said the contest would be "critical."

"They are physically strong, but we have our ways of dealing with it, we will seek alternative means to get past them," she said.

Dutch coach Roger Reijners said: "The Chinese team is very young and talented, they have made a lot of progress.

"I think they have improved a lot, they are organised and have some good strikers. We have to expect a tough game.

"They are a typical Asian country -- well organised very capable technically, very, very dangerous to play against."