China
falling short in matching presidential aspiration
Send a link to a friend
[October 10, 2016]
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's
lengthy exile from the top table of international soccer looks set
to continue for at least another six years unless Gao Hongbo can
deliver a major turnaround in fortunes after a miserable start to
the final round of World Cup qualifying.
While moves inspired by President Xi Jinping to turn the country
into a dominant player in the sports marketing sector continue
apace, and the cash-rich club scene flourishes, there has been no
upturn for the national team.
Xi's "three wishes" for Chinese soccer are that the country
qualifies for another World Cup after their first and only
appearance in 2002, host a World Cup and eventually win one.
After three matches out of 10 in the final round of Asian
qualification for the 2018 finals, however, China have just one
point from a goalless draw at home to Iran.
Their opening Group A 3-2 loss to regional powerhouse South Korea
might have been expected but the 1-0 reverse they suffered at the
hands of Syria on a rainy night in Xian last Thursday was not.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Oct/10/images/ads/current/ldn_sda_062409.png)
That defeat means Tuesday's meeting with Uzbekistan in Tashkent
looms as a "must-win" match for the Chinese if they are to force
their way back into the reckoning for a top-two spot in the group
that carries with it a ticket to Russia.
Iran and South Korea currently occupy those spots on seven points
followed by Uzbekistan (six) and Syria (four) with China languishing
in fifth place with their solitary point.
While there is also the possibility of securing a World Cup berth
via two playoffs by finishing third, the Chinese look almost certain
to be vying with the Uzbeks for that spot.
[to top of second column] |
![](../images/101016PICS/sports55.jpg)
Team China listen to national anthem behind a Chinese national flag
ahead of the match. REUTERS/Stringer
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Oct/10/images/ads/current/pacesetter_lda_041116.png)
"We have only lost two games out of total of 10, which means we
still have our chance of qualifying," Gao, who returned for a second
stint as coach in February after the dismissal of Frenchman Alain
Perrin, said after the shock loss in Xian.
"It is not true that we are losing hope after losing two matches.
Our experience tells us that as long as we fight until the last
second, we will have opportunities.
"We are very lucky to reach this phase, and we have to give our
appreciation to all our supporters. To be frank, we are among the
weaker sides in the 12 teams. In this game we wanted three points so
badly, but we weren't able to achieve it."
(Writing by Nick Mulvenney in Sydney; Editing by John O'Brien)
[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2016 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Oct/10/images/ads/current/humanesociety_sda022411.png) |