Goal of becoming a soccer powerhouse rests with youth

While the dream of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup is alive, China has a long way to go to ensure international soccer success, something insiders say would get a boost from developing the game among the nation's youth.

After 15 years of waiting to see the national team qualify for a FIFA World Cup, China has made it to the final Asian qualifying round after beating group leader Qatar, 2-0, in a crucial pool-stage match on Tuesday in front of 5,000 cheering home fans in Xi'an.

The last time China qualified for a World Cup was in 2002, its only appearance to date.