China's Huang Bowen (2nd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Qatar during the Group C Round 2 match of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Preliminary Joint Qualification in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province, March 29, 2016. China won the match 2-0. (Photo: Xinhua/Cao Can)
Chinese soccer unleashed its final charge towards the Russian World Cup as the draw of last 12 in World Cup Asian zone qualification unveiled Tuesday with China facing....
It's the first time for Chinese team to reach the final stage of qualification since China's maiden appearance in 2002 World Cup, so now the glitter of another World Cup attendance is sparked in the country, where renders a nationwide support for the sport.
Though still it does look like a tough mission ahead of Chinese team, which had secured a spot in last 12 in a dramatic way, Chinese favor and support for the national team has never been dwindling.
STRIVING FOR WORLD CUP FINALS
To Li Shuyi, executive deputy director at the inter-ministerial joint conference office specializing in the country's football development, believed a lot more needs to be done in order to make virtual progress in the sport.
Li is calling to build a world-class backup system in Chinese national team operation. "We need to have not only professional players, but also need to have professional supporting staff for national team," said Li. "We need to have the match information collected and analyzed and we need to have our players' physiques guaranteed. So a professional supporting team is quite necessary to ensure the national team running well in the forthcoming competitions."
A consensus between clubs and Chinese Football Association (CFA) must be maintained in national team build-up to Li's point of view. "Players are engaged in clubs training and league matches all year around. Playing for the national team is just a small part for professional players, so the clubs are encouraged to reward their players selected into the national team, which could not provide them the equivalent payments," added Li.
Chinese Super League (CSL) company chairman Ma Chengquan acknowledged that the five-year contract of league broadcasting rights worth eight billion yuan (1.25 billion US dollars) is an encouraging signing for the clubs and helps them to establish confidence on the league development.
Obviously, the clubs would receive much more dividend in the next five years supported by the lucrative contract. Ma promised to set up a reasonable league agenda in support of the national team's training and preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
"Of course, we need to keep the league running in normal, but this won't set back the national team construction," Ma said.
