Chinese soccer win over Australia hailed a 'comeback'

China’s victory over Australia in the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup has re-invigorated fans, with many calling the win a sign of China’s “comeback” in the soccer world.

The Chinese national football team defeated Australia’s Socceroos 4-3 on Sunday, a victory that exceeded expectations for many fans disappointed with the team’s humiliating 5-1 defeat to Thailand in June. News of the win quickly became the number one trending topic on China’s Sina Weibo social network, with hundreds of comments from netizens chiming in to express their “shock”.

“Thank God I can finally be proud of Chinese football,” one relieved fan wrote.

“Who said that Chinese football is dead?” another asked. “[Despite hardships], our team is desperately pushing forward and changing. This should make us glad. We need to encourage them – after all, they represent our China!”

Others were not nearly as enthusiastic. Critics were quick to point out that China had won against an inexperienced Australian team. Celebrations were premature, they said, because China ultimately lost the East Asian Cup’s top spot to Japan, who won the tournament in a 2-1 match against South Korea.

“I’ve been afraid to expect too much of Chinese football lately,” a netizen wrote. “The results are okay. At least we don’t have to be ashamed of [our team] anymore.

"But we shouldn’t get carried away. We have to acknowledge the fact that their opponents were all inexperienced.”