China aims to slay dragons

Formidable obstacle of Gareth Bale's Wales stand in host's way as China Cup kicks off in Nanning

China's national team faces a stern test of its credentials when it faces Gareth Bale's Wales in Thursday's opening match of the China Cup International Football Championship in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Real Madrid superstar Bale strikes fear in any opponent, so stopping the marauding Welsh wizard will be key to China's chances of overcoming the Dragons and reaching Monday's final of the fourteam, FIFA-sanctioned tournament.