Share

Tears, anger as China's World Cup dream fades

Shanghai - Marcello Lippi's China vowed to fight on after their 2018 World Cup hopes were all but destroyed when Syria's late equaliser left them bottom of their qualifying group and with their captain in tears.

The Italian coach angrily blamed the referee after Ahmad Al Salih's injury-time free-kick secured a 2-2 draw, dealing a hammer blow to China's already remote chances.

Captain Feng Xiaoting wept after the final whistle as Lippi, who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, struggled to contain his fury.

"It was a very disappointing result for us, we deserved three points," Lippi said, according to the state-run China Daily.

"Our performance in the first half was not that good, but we did a very good job in the second half and turned the game around."

"Unfortunately the referee changed the game. I don't understand why he made that call. It was a fatal decision for us," Lippi said.

Lippi appeared to be referring to the decision by referee Ammar Aljneibi of the UAE to award Syria the pivotal free-kick in stoppage time.

Not all decisions went against China, who were handed a lifeline with what looked like a soft penalty to make it 1-1 on 68 minutes.

Wu Xi's volley six minutes later put China in sight of victory but they were stunned when Al Salih swept home his free kick in the third added minute.

China, who are investing heavily at international, domestic and grassroots football, are now bottom of Asian qualifying Group A with just two games left.

Only the top two teams earn an automatic spot at next year's World Cup in Russia, with the third-placed side going into play-offs.

A distraught skipper Feng said: "We did so well in the second half and we almost got the win.

"But this is football. It is so hard for me to accept the result, but we will fight to the end."

China now need big wins over Uzbekistan in August and away to Qatar in September, and hope that other results go their way.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE