After China’s national football team secured a 1-0 victory against Bahrain away in the 18-team qualifier, South Korea’s media outlet Chosun Sports reported that China has reignited its hopes of qualifying for the World Cup and even has a chance to secure the second spot in the group, which would grant them direct entry into the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The report from the South Korean media was somewhat sarcastic, suggesting that the increase in the number of teams for the World Cup from 32 to 48 was partly to boost China’s chances of qualifying. However, after narrowly passing the 36-team qualifier, China’s performance in the early stages of the 18-team qualifier was lackluster, drawing harsh criticism from their own fans.
In the first round, China suffered a 0-7 defeat against Japan. Subsequently, they faced Saudi Arabia and Australia, where they were repeatedly overturned by their opponents, starting with three consecutive losses.
However, after securing a 2-1 home win against Indonesia, coached by Shin Tae-yong, in the fourth round in October, China’s momentum and mindset changed dramatically. In the challenging away match against Bahrain, China managed to score a last-minute goal to secure a miraculous victory, achieving two consecutive wins and reigniting their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
The South Korean media even noted that China currently has 6 points and is ranked fourth in the group, tied with the second and third-place teams. China’s two consecutive wins not only increased their chances of finishing third or fourth and entering the playoffs but also gave them a realistic shot at securing the second spot in the group, which would grant them direct entry into the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
