Out of our hands: China’s date with third round of World Cup qualifying depends on fate
Even if mainlanders defeat Qatar at home in Xian, it will not be enough to see them through because five of the eight teams now in second place have scored more points
China are desperate for a win over high-flying Qatar in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Xian on Tuesday, but are only too aware their chances of reaching the final round of regional qualifiers are beyond their own control.
The visitors have won all their seven previous matches to finish top of group C.
If China are to end up among the top 12 teams in Asia by being one of the four best second-placed teams in eight groups across the continent, the mainlanders have to have a lot of luck go their way in other matches today.
There is nothing we can do about the other results. It would be better if we focus on our own match first and win
Unfortunately, for China, five of the eight teams currently lying second – Syria, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, North Korea and Iraq – have all scored more points than the mainlanders.
“There is nothing we can do about the other results,” said midfielder Huang Bowen of Guangzhou Evergrande.
“It would be better if we focus on our own match first and win. Whether we can qualify or not will only be the next matter. The situation is, of course, difficult and we have no option but to beat Qatar.”
After watching two disappointing goalless draws against Hong Kong in group C, Frenchman Alain Perrin was removed from the manager’s post in February and replaced by Gao Hongbo, who was the China manager from 2009-2011.