'We definitely have hope'

GUANGZHOU - If knowing really is half the battle, Chinese soccer is exactly halfway to success.

China soccer head Cai Zhenhua on Saturday gave his first formal interview since taking over in September, telling China Central Television (CCTV) he's determined to establish a solid foundation for a sport plagued by a string of recent scandals and embarrassments.

Cai, the vice minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, said his aim is long-term.