AFC Asian Cup: China defender Browning embraces ‘thrill of pressure’ ahead of crunch meeting with in-form hosts Qatar
- China have limped to goalless draws in their opening two Group A matches in the tournament
- The two-times runners-up are battling to avoid a first group stage exit since competition was last staged in Qatar in 2011
Defender Tyias Browning swatted away suggestions China were suffocating under a weight of expectation at the Asian Cup, and said “pressure is the thrill of the game”.
Fans on the mainland were dismayed by their side’s opening two performances in Qatar, with plodding 0-0 draws against Tajikistan and Lebanon.
Browning said he did not blame supporters for being angry, and acknowledged China “should be beating these teams”.
Still, China’s two points could be enough to stop them tumbling out at the group stage for the first time since 2011, when the tournament was also staged in Qatar.
Thirteen years ago, China were beaten by the hosts at the same Khalifa International Stadium where they will renew hostilities on Monday. The most likely scenario this time round, is that Aleksandar Jankovic’s team will need a draw to advance.
Qatar have won both their matches, without conceding a goal. Should China become the defending champions’ latest victims, and be knocked out, head coach Jankovic and his players will expect a scathing reaction from home.