Asian Cup 2015
A preview of the China Team for the Asian Cup 2015.
What do you think are the strengths of the squad?
"The spine of the team has been formed around the all-conquering Guangzhou Evergrande team who are now managed by Italian world cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro. This core has given the China team a sense of stability it has lacked for years.
With corruption scandals seemingly and hopefully a thing of the past and with most stadiums packed to the brim each weekend, the Chinese Super League is definitely booming; the positive vibe has transferred to the pitch with Chinese club teams faring well in the Asian Champions league over the past few seasons and defeating established Japanese and Korean club teams on a regular basis.
The team has a greater confidence and a more robust style of play which has given them a psychological edge; a marked result was defeating South Korea in 2010 by a three goal margin (East Asian football competition) to end a famous Chinese fan term "Koreaphobia" which saw China unable to defeat South Korea in 28 matches stretching back to 1978. Furthermore, most of the squad are under 30 so this is a very youthful squad which may not make the impact it would hope at the Asian Cup but the long term plan is to qualify for the 2018 world cup in Russia."
What are the weaknesses?
"The Chinese Super League has gone from strength to strength with a huge injection of financial clout which has gone hand in hand with China's economic growth. Unfortunately, the rapid and astronomical development of the CSL and the club teams has not immediately transferred to the national team. China's long-suffering fans have longed for success on the pitch but have only met with endless disappointment and occasional fury.
Recent warm-up games (wins over Paraguay, Oman, and Krygyzstan and draws with New Zealand, Palestine, and Honduras) in the lead up to the finals have not been a good indication of what lies ahead with the team performing well but perceived flaws still apparent for all to see with the strikers not firing on all cylinders in crucial matches."
Who are China's key players?
"Since the retirement of players like Hai Haidong and Sun Jihai, China have seemingly lacked stand out and marquee players though a few have emerged and will be able to make a name for themselves on a wider stage. In amongst the youngsters is the familiar name of Zheng Zhi (of Charlton and Celtic) who has been a model of consistency in the Chinese midfield.
The controversial Gao Lin of Evergrande will be leading the line for China and has despite many gaining many distractors over the years for his behavior, he keeps scoring goals for both club and country. The Chinese team will be relying on their "Guangzhou Evergrande" contingent to inspire their compatriots to greater heights."
How do you rate China's chances of lifting the trophy?
"China are in a very competitive group which could even be deemed a group of death. Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Uzbekistan are all strong, tenacious and experienced teams all capable of advancing far. A decent start with a win or draw against the Saudis could provide the momentum for China to bring joy to its long-suffering fans but expectations have so far been tempered with a sense of realism.
Given China have improved under the guidance of Alain Perrin and as much as I would like to say they can make the quarter-finals, I cannot see them getting out of the group stages though I would love to be proved incorrect."
Who do you think will win the Asia Cup?
"If the Asian Cup winners were to be based on the national kits then China would win for their swanky new Nike gear but unfortunately reality is not like that! After a pretty under-par world cup from all the Asian teams, the majority of them will be looking to restore their reputations and pride in Australia.
Japan have some incredible players such as Honda and Kagawa who will definitely be a force to reckoned with. I would go for Japan to again lift the trophy but the Socceroos to definitely be there and thereabouts with the home advantage factor. Ange Postecoglou's side are still young and rebuilding but showed flashes of their potential against the Netherlands in the World Cup. This is one of the most open Asian Cups in a while so it could be a major surprise winner for all observers."
Soccer in China
South China Unofficial World Club Champions 1994
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