Hard training paying off, says Chinese striker A Lan

SHARJAH, UAE - Chinese forward A Lan said his fitness has improved thanks to the intense training program that the Chinese team is undergoing ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Vietnam.

"The intensity of our daily training is very high, and I can feel my fitness is becoming better," said A Lan, a naturalized player also known as Alan Carvalho.

"Sometimes I felt tired, but I think it was mainly caused by the hot weather here," added the 32-year-old.

A Lan had his head shaved this week, saying it made him feel better under the sweltering weather.

Li Tie, head coach of the Chinese squad, vowed to work his players into better shape after he acutely found them struggling in their defeats against Australia and Japan earlier this month in the final stage of the Asia World Cup qualification.

He worked out a demanding training plan for his players to prepare for the Vietnam tie which is scheduled on October 7 in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates.

It is yielding desired results, according to A Lan.

"The coaching staff are trying to help us improve," he said. "I am sure we will be better prepared when the match comes."