Despite massive recent investment in the game domestically and abroad, China’s hopes of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup could be dented significantly if the team loses at home to Iran.
A 3-2 loss in South Korea in the opening game of the final round of Asian qualification last week means that a defeat in Shenyang on Tuesday could potentially leave China six points adrift of the top two spots in Group A that offer automatic progress to Russia in 2018.
With more than $US400 million ($A530 million) spent by Chinese Super League clubs in 2016 on famous foreign players, as well as a state-run youth development program gathering pace, there has been growing optimism for the future of the game in the world’s most populated country.
In the short-term however, much depends on a victory against a tough Iran team – even so early in qualifying.
China was trailing South Korea 3-0 with 20 minutes remaining but goals from Yu Hai and Hao Junmin forced the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists to hang on for the final whistle.
And coach Gao Hongbo wants his China team to continue where it left off in Seoul.
“If we can play against Iran with the same spirit as the last part of the last game then we can get a good result,” he said. “There are nine games remaining in the group and this is our first home game.
“We need to do well in front of our own fans if we are going to achieve our goal of qualifying for the World Cup.”
China has only qualified for the World Cup once – in 2002.
In the other Group A games, Qatar hosts Uzbekistan, while security issues mean Syria will play South Korea in Malaysia.
If China are already under serious pressure to win in Group A, then so is Japan in Group B.
The four-time Asian champions have qualified for the last five World Cups, but had a shocking 2-1 home loss to the United Arab Emirates last week.
Japan is in Bangkok to take on a Thailand team that narrowly lost 1-0 in Saudi Arabia.
The UAE faces another stiff test at home against Australia, while Iraq and Saudi Arabia meet in the other game.
Mark
Guest
After last night's games, overall I stand by what I said. Australia, Japan and UAE are far above the other three in the group. If we continue to play like last night we might pull away and it will be between Japan and UAE for 2nd and 3rd. I still think over the course of the campaign us and Japan will pull away from UAE and finish a comfortable 1/2. Yes, Saudi Arabia have won their first two games. But they won one at home against the weakest team in the group, and a second at a neutral venue against the second weakest team in the group. I think they will struggle against better opposition and pick up most of their points beating Thailand and Iraq, but if they beat us I might reconsider. Iraq and Thailand will finish bottom 2 by some way and probably pick up most of their points against each other.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Most of it consumed as once again I was watching the game with Japanese. Needless to say they have all hit the hay as rather more content souls than a few days prior. Syria managed a 0-0 with South Korea, though I have nothing on the game apart from the score.
Midfielder
Guest
Beer still in the fridge or on the table
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Absolute cow paddock at Rajamangala by the end. The Japanese players were so muddy it took me back to my playing days :) The Thai goalkeeper was Man of the Match for me. Great game from him that prevented a blow-out.
Midfielder
Guest
China nil all Japan won 2 - 0 SA won late with two pens 2-1
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Japan have been dominating however the rain and the pitch are not helping. The pitch started looking lovely however every step seems to result in a divot. That would be the Saudi's 3 goal out of 3 from late penalties. They appear to be riding their luck.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Saudis were awarded 2 late pens and conceded both to win 2-1 China and Iran still in a stalemate. Apparently the pitch is an absolute shocker. Japan lead Thailand 1-0 at the break in front of a pretty fanatical home crowd. I love how these countries don't give a ..... about what rank they are. They're still going to support their team as if they're the greatest in the world.
Midfielder
Guest
agree
AZ_RBB
Guest
Trailing Iraq 1-0 at half time in Malaysia. Go Iraq! Still 0-0 between China and Iran. Enormous crowd creating an ocean of red.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Ironically the Saudis would be a much better side if they'd offered Omar Abdulrahman citizenship when he was born in Riyadh (his parents are Yemini) and his entire family citizenship once they'd seen how good he was (they only offered it to Omar). What happened was a scout from UAE spotted him and offered him and his entire family Emirati citizenship if he came to play for Al Ain. The result is three of the family are now in the UAE national side facing us tonight.
Jack
Guest
What's wrong with Saudi they are a good side ?
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Ah, your phone is correct!
AZ_RBB
Guest
Thank you! My phone had kick off in 3hrs. I would have missed the whole game.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Incidentally, Thailand kick off against Japan in one hour. I don't know about you lot however my beers are cold in the fridge and ready to go. A long night of football awaits!
Mark
Guest
I meant two hot favourites for the top two qualification spots. As to who will finish first or second of the two in each of the groups, that is a toss up.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Both groups do have 2 favourites but that means nothing. Just look at the first matchday. UAE beat Japan in Saitama. Thailand had 2 blatant penalties denied vs Saudis. Anyone can beat anyone in our group. In the other group Iran didn't score til the 94th minute and even then that was under very controversial circumstances. South Korea were very nearly mowed down by China. Yes, there are favourites. But that doesn't mean we have a predictable round of qualifiers. It's anything but that. We have a fascinating 12 months ahead.
Jack
Guest
Completely agree it's far to early to start bashing China for. 3-2 loss to arguably the best team in Asia. Not saying they will make it but finals campaign in tatters would be statements after 3 losses
aladdin sane
Guest
So is Australia or Japan hot favourite in our group?
Mark
Guest
I think you should rename yourself Baghdad Bob Brown. Both groups have two hot favourites with a roughie. The other three in each group have very little realistic hope of qualifying. Although after UAE's win in Japan, you could say that us, Japan and UAE are now more evenly matched, particularly if UAE win tonight.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
China will bounce back magnificently like they did in the second half of the second half against Korea. Then you can write another article about Iran's FIFA World Cup ambitions being already on the brink. These AFC WC qualification groups are the keenest contested in years and Australia's recent performances in Asia and The Asian Cup 2015, have motivated them to lift their games. If Australia lose tonight, Group B is wide open too.