from sinosoc.com News China hold Brazil to 0-0 draw in Guangzhou (12/02/03) Generation Haan began in positive fashion for the Chinese national team with a 0-0 draw against world champions Brazil in Guangzhou on Wednesday evening. Arie Haan fielded a 4-4-1-1 formation at the Olympic Stadium for the re-run of last June's World Cup Group C match, which finished 4-0 in favour of the South Americans. The near capacity 80,000 crowd saw China impress in the early stages, by holding things tight in midfield and keeping possession at the back. The defensive tactics turned attacking in the 13th minute when Qi Hong intercepted Rivaldo then sent a 25-yard shot sailing over the bar. China exploited the left flank well and had two good scoring chances by taking advantage of Cafu's lack of pace. There was little between the two sides and Haan's men held their own for the remainder of the first half. Yang Chen and Li Jinyu's entrance spiced up the Chinese attack in the second half, but Brazil upped the tempo although they couldn't find the net. "This China team will definitely qualify for the next World Cup," said Cafu after the match. Sun Jihai, who missed out on China's match against Brazil at the World Cup, remarked, "The result is not important, the most important thing is the learning process and to keep making progress." China 0-0 Brazil China Liu Yunfei; Yang Pu, Li Weifeng, Wei Xin (Xiao Zhanbo 69'), Zheng Zhi; Sun Jihai (Yu Genwei 85'), Li Xiaopeng (Xu Yunlong 24'), Li Tie, Zhao Junzhe; Qi Hong (Li Jinyu (61'); Li Yi (Yang Chen 61') Match facts China Brazil Shots 10 9 Shot on target 2 3 Free kicks 4 7 Corners 2 4 Fouls 16 15 Offsides 0 4 Yellow cards 1 0
Holding the defending WC champs scoreless in your first game in charge can't be a bad debut ... Haan Dynasty, anyone? Seriously, though, from all the match reports I heard China could've had the thing won with a little better finishing. A step in the right direction, to be sure....