The head coach of China's national team Marcello Lippi encouraged his players to believe themselves despite slim hope of qualifying for the World Cup ahead of the friendly game against the Philippines.
China will play the Philippines on Wednesday in Guangzhou before taking on Syria in the World Cup qualifier on June 13. China ranked fifth in the Group A with only 5 points, 7 points adrift of third-placed Uzbekistan.
Lippi said: "I have been telling my players to believe themselves. Now we are 7 points behind the third place and still have three games to play, there are no other options but to win the rest games. Although I know it will be a difficult period, we will make every efforts as long as there is a flash of hope."
The Italian admitted some players may not 100 per cent fit for tomorrow's game, but everyone in the squad would be well prepared for the Syria game.
"Some players got injured after the last round in the league, so we made some adjustments in the list. Some players may not play the game tomorrow, but all the players in the list will get ready in the coming qualifier."
Lippi added:"This friendly game will not bring us points in the qualifers, but it
will boost confidence. Tomorrow I will filed a different starting line-up and send as many players as possible."
