It's not over yet, Chinese team rekindles hopes for the future

THE PROSPECT OF CHINA'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM reaching the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia became dimmer on Tuesday after they drew 2-2 with Syria in the Asian qualifiers. Xinhua Daily Telegraph commented on Thursday:

It was an emotional roller coaster for most Chinese soccer fans as Wu Xi's volley in the 75th minute put China in front, before Ahmad Al Saleh scored a last minute equalizer. Winning only five points in the previous seven games, China needed a win to keep alive the hope of reaching the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

Unfortunately, that hope may have been extinguished earlier than expected, to the dismay of not only Chinese soccer fans but also the players, many of whom are in their 30s and might not make it to the next World Cup.