Lippi left ruing missed chances as China's World Cup hopes take hit

The scoreless draw with the Philippines in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier has put Team China in a tenuous situation.

While Syria blanked Guam 4-0 the same evening to earn three points and go atop Group A, the 0-0 draw in Bacolod dropped Marcello Lippi's China squad to second place.

The result has placed extra pressure on China's away clash against Syria on Nov 14 at an as-yet undecided venue. Victory against the group leader would get China back on track in its bid to secure a spot in the 12-team second round of Asian zone qualifying, comprised of the eight group winners and the four best second-place finishers.