| Home | News| Living in China| SMS | About us | Contact us|
   
 Language Tips > Sports news
Updated: 2004-09-08 09:33
 China coach wary of slip-ups on road to World Cup

中国男足将于周三在客场挑战马来西亚队。对于这场06年世界杯预选赛,中国队主教练阿里汉表示虽然中国队整体水平高于对手,但切不可马虎轻敌,任何疏漏都有可能影响中国队进军德国的前景。

 

China coach Arie Haan (m) in a training session on September 7, 2004. (Xinhua)

China coach Arie Haan warned his players to avoid any slip-ups against Malaysia when they resume their quest for the 2006 World Cup finals on Wednesday.

Haan, boosted by China's second-place finish at the Asian Cup last month, remained optimistic of a second successive World Cup berth but warned of the "treacherous" road ahead.

"Our journey to make the World Cup finals began in February and though the road is long and treacherous, I am optimistic that we have what it takes to qualify," Haan said ahead of the qualifier.

"Though we defeated Malaysia 4-0 in the earlier meeting, I would rather not take that as a yardstick. For the match tomorrow night is an entirely different ball game and we can ill afford to slip," he warned on Tuesday.

Haan said he was hoping for a dominant performance as China, beaten by Japan in the Asian Cup final, try to maintain their 100 percent record in Group 4.

"I expect a commanding performance from my players as not only is the result of paramount importance to me but so is the way the team performs," he said.

However, China will have to do without suspended Manchester City star Sun Jihai and Li Weifeng and Shao Jiayi, who are both nursing Asian Cup injuries.

Malaysia, pointless after their opening three fixtures, go into the game buoyed by a new coach and a 2-1 friendly win against Thailand last month.

Bertalan Bickei, who took over after Englishman Allan Harris's contract was not renewed, warned that his team would be no pushovers.

"Our chances are slim to win the match as China are a class above but we do not intend to let them steamroller us," he said before his first competitive match in charge.

"The Malaysian players have to start believing in their ability and from what I have seen thus far their skills are second to none," he added.

"That is why I believe that my team is capable of playing some good football and the experience gained from playing China will serve them well in the matches to come."

A total of 32 teams split into eight groups of four are taking part in Asia's World Cup qualifying tournament. The eight group winners advance to final qualifying next year.

(Agencies)

Vocabulary:
 

slip-up: an error; an oversight(错误, 忽略)

treacherous: marked by unforeseen hazards; dangerous or deceptive(变化莫测的)

qualifier: (预选赛)

pointless: (没有得分的)

 
Go to Other Sections
Story Tools
Related Stories
· China coach wary of slip-ups on road to World Cup
· Hong Kong meets Olympic stars
· Mutombo says he's being traded to Rockets
more
 
Copyright by chinadaily.com.cn. All rights reserved

版权声明:未经中国日报网站许可,任何人不得复制本栏目内容。如需转载请与本网站联系。
None of this material may be used for any commercial or public use. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.