Crucial lessons for China

The never-say-die fighting spirit we saw from the players of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in their World Cup match against mighty Brazil impressed many around the world. The Chinese, especially the sport's governing officials, should be no exceptions.

While we feel proud the three Asian teams in South Africa, we also tend to ask what's really wrong with China, where we repeatedly claim soccer was originated.

If the Republic of Korea (ROK)'s semifinal appearance in the 2002 World Cup was because of homefield advantage, their emphatic 2-0 victory over European champions Greece with a dazzling display was by no means a flash in the pan. After all, it was their eighth and seventh straight World Cup appearance.