China's World Cup qualifying hopes are hanging by a thread after they crashed 3-2 to Qatar yesterday in near-freezing temperatures in Dalian.
China needed to win to maintain a realistic chance of qualifying. But their latest defeat could spell the end for Qi Wusheng's men, who need a miracle to save them from exiting the competition.
Defeat was a bitter pill to swallow as China suffered their second straight loss in Group A, following up on their 4-1 thrashing by Iran in Teheran.
In a later match last night, Iran drew 0-0 at home to Kuwait. The Iranians missed out on a chance to ensure themselves of at least second place by failing to win. Kuwait moved clear into third place on eight points.
China and Qatar both have seven points but China are fourth in the five-team group - ahead of Qatar by virtue of their better goal difference. Iran top the group with 12 points, two ahead of Saudi Arabia. Iran and Kuwait each have one more game remaining whereas the other three sides have two each.
China have Saudi Arabia to contend with next Thursday in Riyadh and then face Kuwait in their final fixture in Dalian on December 11.
But yesterday's stunning defeat might have sounded the death knell for China. Uninspiring in midfield and exposed in defence, they were unable to play with the same authority as their brilliant 1-0 defeat of the Saudis last month at the same venue.
