China will visit france in June, and play a match against France NT in Jun 6th, it is reported by Titan Sports: http://sports.sina.com.cn/n/2006-01-06/02221975406.shtml http://sports.sina.com.cn/n/2006-01-06/11181976455.shtml
I didn't read the articles (and not sure if it mentions it), but which French team will we be playing? France's first WC game is June 13th, are we really playing the MNT a few days before the WC? Well, I'm glad we can help them prepare for Korea.
The tables have turned. They are paying us. I don't see how China is similar to South Korea in playing styles or tactics. Maybe it's just that we look like one another on pitch. It's just another marketing opportunity for adidas.
Damn beat me to it. Nevertheless a good opportunity for Chinese NT. I wouldn't mind seeing the French start the WC on a low note.
I don't understand it either, but Portugal used us as prep game for South Korea before WC02 as well. I think its that we're both Asian and in theory share similar physical traits and stuff and also perhaps the thinking that there is an "Asian" style of the game or something.
Not just France, I read 11 countries are lined up to play China, contingent upon the outcomes of negotiations about fees China will receive for playing them. Obviously this time China is going to reap the benefit of being in the right neighborhood.