China coach Zhu Guanghu is confident his team will make it
through to the 2007 Asian Cup finals despite their goalless draw
with Singapore on Wednesday.
"It was a nice game," said Zhu after the Group E stalemate that
leaves China needing two wins from two games to seal qualification.
"My players worked very hard throughout, but we have to concentrate
on finishing our scoring chances."
Does this goalless draw complicate China’s qualification?
"This point from this game is very important, I don't think we
will have any problems qualifying for the next round. We have two
games left and I am sure we will qualify."
Does this 0-0 draw mean there be more pressure on China in the
next games?
"Everyone was expecting a win before this match started but
China have to settle for a draw. But this won't stop us
qualifying."
China has scored just once in two games.
"I am very disappointed with this result because we created many
chances. And we were a bit unlucky."
What did you think of Wang Dong's performance?
"He was outstanding today. Why did I ask him to play right
midfield? Because he has played there for Changchun, and in
training as well."
In the last minute of the last game Shao Jiayi's penalty gave
China three points, but in the last minute of this game he was sent
off. The end-game show-stopper Shao Jiayi was red-carded in the
90th minute against Singapore while his last-minute penalty gave
China three points
"We have to cut out stupid mistakes like this. He was very tired
going into the game. He only arrived here early yesterday morning,
and he has a flight back to Germany tonight."?
(Sinosoc.com, September 8, 2006)