HAVE A GOOD TIME (China National Football Team)

Member Name: C_Padd

Product:	China National Football Team
Date:	22/05/02 (27 review reads)
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For the largest nation in the world in terms of population some people may be surprised that this is China’s first ever World Cup Finals appearance. In their defence they have only been trying since 1982 for political reasons, but at least they will not have too far to travel to Japan and Korea.

China have at last made the World Cup finals at the sixth time of asking, pushing past the might that is the Maldives 10-1 on aggregate and finally coming out on top above Oman, UAE, Qatar and Uzbekistan. Not too hard, it is a wonder they have not done this before. After some very near misses this time at last they have made it to the end. Football like in most other parts of Asia is hugely popular

Two players that people may recognise were both brought to these shores by Crystal Palace under Terry Venables. When they signed Fan Zhiyi and Sun Jihai they not only got two decent players but a whole new audience and market in Asia. These players have moved on now, Zhiyi is north of the border with Dundee and Jihai has made a return to the English game with Manchester City after going back to China in the meantime. Both are defenders, Zhiyi who was voted Asia’s footballer of the year in 2001 is a strong but quick centre back while Jihai is a very hard working and running full back. Zhiyi can also fit in at midfield while Jiai is equally versatile playing across the back line and in midfield. Other stars to look out for is young striker Qu Bo, very quick and only 20 years old, and striker partner Xie Hui will get most of the teams goals. In midfield Qi Hong is a great player as is Li Tie.

The conditions in Japan and Korea will help China. Not having too far to travel and being accustomed to the weather and climate could give them a helping hand. China will play all their group games in Korea, and could well expect some great travelling support. The main disadvantages for the squad will be a lack of experience and especially for the big ga
mes. Very few of the team have made it into Europe and under such a big stage the pressure could well get to them. China need to look to older players like Fan Zhiyi, Hao Haidong and Ma Mingyu to help a younger generation. They have some good younger players that can be good for years to come. This World Cup could be a great trip out for them and should be an enjoyable experience.

For their first ever World Cup China manage to find themselves up against Brazil. Although Brazil are not quite the force of old and are dodged by problems on and off the field the South Americans should get through an easy draw for them. Turkey are favourites to take the second place away from the other challengers China and Costa Rica. China should really look to enjoy the moment, they have done well to get this far, it will be a learning curve for them and adds experience for next time. Looking to score their first goal and World Cup win will be important and aiming to finish above Costa Rica for bottom place would be good enough.

If China need any help or experience they need to look no further than their coach, Bora Milutinovic. The Croat has one of the best records in the World Cup. This time with China will be his fifth team in as many competitions having guided Mexico (1986), Costa Rica (1990), USA (1994) and Nigeria in 1998. Mexico got to the quarterfinals in 1986, while managing to take Costa Rica out to the second round was a great achievement. In fact all his teams have got through to at lest the second round, a good omen for China perhaps?

Overall I cannot see China getting past the group stages. It is possible to sneak past Turkey for second sport, but the Turks experience will shown. It will be a good adventure for China, hopefully they will learn from it and come back stronger the next time.

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