World Cup qualifier China, naturalization doesn’t help…0-1 loss to Syria → second straight draw in September A matches

Klinsmann’s World Cup qualifying opponent China has fallen again.

The Chinese lost 0-1 to Syria in an A-match trial at Fenghuangshan Sports Park in Chengdu on September 12. The loss was their first in two September A matches, having previously drawn 1-1 with Kim Pang Gon’s Malaysia.

China has been in disarray since the World Cup final qualifiers in Qatar, which ended in March last year. The Chinese Super League went into administration and was unable to operate properly, and the team’s trials were hampered by its closure in the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

It wasn’t until March this year that they were able to play a proper A match. Although they participated in the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) in July last year, it wasn’t until a two-game series against New Zealand earlier this year that they were able to field a full squad of U-23 players.

However, a 1-1 draw with the Kiwis in the resumed A-Match raised concerns, and while they turned things around in June with 4-0 wins over Myanmar and 2-0 over Palestine, they were too weak to make much of a difference.

In September, the team was exposed when they faced higher-ranked opponents such as Malaysia and Syria. The Chinese, who had drawn with Malaysia earlier in the day, named a starting lineup that included naturalized players Elkesson, Tyrese Browning, and Niko Yenaris alongside homegrown stars such as Wu Lei and Zhang Linfeng.

China brought out the best they could muster, but came away with a goalless draw. Wu Lei led the attack but failed to live up to expectations. While China’s attack was not sharp, Syria broke through in the 14th minute of the second half with a goal from Tair Krouma.카지노사이트

Back to reality, China is frustrated with the loss to Syria. According to China’s Sina Sports, Zhan Jun, who broadcast the game, said, “Our offense is too monotonous. We need to be lucky to score goals,” and “I don’t see any hope of qualifying for the World Cup,” he reportedly said in a self-deprecating tone.

South Korea will be traveling to China soon. South Korea and China will meet in November in the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 North and Central American World Cup. South Korea is in Group C with the winner of China, Thailand, and Singapore-Guam, and will travel to China on Nov. 21. Here’s why we’re watching China’s struggles.