New sponsor Nike sparks football team revival

The national Chinese football team has been thriving lender its first new kit sponsors in more than three decades.

Nike Inc has emerged victorious over rival and ex-sponsor Adidas AG, as the United States-based company deepens its dominance in China's football market.

The new Nike kit was first worn on Jan 10 during a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia at the Asian Cup in Australia. Two subsequent victories against Uzbekistan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea saw the team achieve its best-ever start in the competition and gain a first-quarter final place for 11 years.