Unbelievable. I just also saw it as well. Team China will make the next round as the final runner up holder.
Wow all results have gone our way so far, absolutely incredible. Big props to Australia, Myanmar and Philippines.
I don't think they have technically advanced yet, but it would take a six goal away win by Oman in Iran and a draw or win by UAE and a win by Iraq for China not to advance.
Unless Oman beats Iran in Tehran today with goal margin of 6+, team China is in as the final runner up. I think it's safe to pop open the champagne.
Congrats China! Well maybe not yet. I'm going to watch the Oman Iran game. For people who don't think it's possible, it happened to China before when Saudi Arabia gifted New Zealand a 5-0 out of spite.
Here's the current situation Syria is in. And let's say for argument sake, both Iraq and UAE win. That means China will be the fourth runner up to get to the next round. Only barring from a 6-0 win from oman against Iran in Tehran. So again, go wild China.
Should give the CFA some credit for sacking Perrin when it was still possible. The players and Coach Gao deserve the most credit obviously. The Xi'an fans are amazing. But the CFA deserves some too, under the circumstances which the CFA created ironically, for bringing back Gao to save the day.
The sound of fireworks must be rocking the night sky throughout China already. The parade in Xi'an will probably go on all night.
Sometime, domestic manager could the answer if the foreign mercs has not for so long. In Chinese super league I understand they are only three Chinese managers and rest are all foreigners. In my opinion, that can't happen. That number should be 60-40 Chinese to foreigner coach. Because in league level that should be a breeding ground for Chinese coach to learn and gain experience. Compare that our k-league, 12 teams all of them are Korean coaches. 15 if you includes the three Korean managers in Chinese super league. If our team(Korea) get grouped with China, we'll take a very serious look at them. But for now, enjoy the champagne tonight China.
I agree. Both have something to bring to the table. The Milu tenure, despite his stupid Happy Soccer philosophy, went relatively well, because the China coaches (Shen and Jin) were able to keep him well grounded on Chinese soccer reality. Perrin got a free reign and got completely lost. Of course, if we can hire a coach like Lippi who actually has the ability to find his way, then the CFA should let him have a free reign.
Gao Hongbo has to be the permanent manager, not just the caretaker. He makes some questionable selections sometimes, but he knows how to get the best from his Chinese players. Also, Huang Bowen is CLUTCH. Credit to every player who played today!
Congratulations. I wasn't expecting to see China getting through, but you pulled off a small miracle by beating Qatar and securing a spot in the final round on the last match day. I am very curious how China will do against the top 4 Asian teams.
asian cup 2015 qualifying: china qualified in last minute in a special circumstance. world cup 2018 qualifying: china qualified to next round in the last minute too.
we are lucky to qualify at the last moment. i still remember when i was going to school during the 2006 world cup qualifying where china won 7-0 over hong kong; but ultimately lose to kuwait due to one goal margin. glad that china is back this stage again.