Going Dutch

After months of sad reflection in the wake of China's historic World Cup adventure in June, an air of excitement surrounds the appointment at the weekend of Dutch footballing great Arie Haan as the new national soccer coach.

Haan concluded terms on Saturday and was soon projecting an air of confidence and enthusiasm. They are attributes he and his squad will certainly need on the long road to qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

China could be considered lucky to have qualified this year, and it showed. Three defeats without a goal was not exactly a disgrace given the standards of international football. Nonetheless, they were a reminder of the strides China still has to make.

Haan's contract runs until the end of qualifying - with an extension option - and he deserves to start the job with best wishes. His more experienced predecessor Bora Milutinovic had trouble picking the teams he wanted, often because he had to contend with officials who placed more emphasis on the merits of seniority than youthful talent.

It is hoped Haan will be given his head. Already he seems aware of the potential of those now entering the professional game, a reflection of the vast popularity soccer enjoys on the mainland. 'I'm the head coach, and the head coach always looks at what happens in the whole of football in China, and this also means the youth players, the coming players,' Haan said yesterday. 'There's a lot of talent and you can prepare them already.'

Haan has coached club sides in Belgium and Holland but has yet to be tested internationally.