No crying over Korea defeat as Thai test awaits

Wednesday's expected loss to South Korea looks to have been more helpful than damaging for Team China at the Asian Cup, with the match allowing coach Marcello Lippi to rest his walking wounded while giving youngsters valuable experience ahead of the knockout stage.

Having already secured a last-16 spot in United Arab Emirates, Lippi gave youth a chance as top stars like Wu Lei, who is nursing a shoulder injury, got the night off ahead of Sunday's showdown with Thailand.

As expected, Son Heung-min was China's tormentor-in-chief in Abu Dhabi.