More than a game as China and Qatar meet in ‘symbolic’ clash

doha — An Asian zone World Cup qualifier between the bottom two sides in Group A, who have won just one game in eight between them, may not seem a particularly noteworthy match.

But when China face Qatar in Kunming on Tuesday, it will also be a clash between arguably the most ambitious and certainly in their region biggest spending nations who, in the long-term, could both play a central role in shaping the sport’s future.

In the short-term both could deal an almost fatal blow to each other’s already very slim chances of reaching Russia 2018.

It is the World Cup where both countries wish to make a mark on the global game.

Both have invested heavily to fuel their ambitions. China, who aim to be a footballing superpower by 2050, have spent an estimated $1 billion developing their domestic game. It harbours hopes of hosting their own World Cup and, one day, winning football’s greatest prize.

Qatar are in the middle of transforming themelves by splurging $200 billion-plus to host the 2022 tournament. But with ambition comes pressure, and neither nation is responding too well at the moment.

China have one point from their four qualifying games. World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar are only slightly better off.

They have clawed three points from four matches, following a 1-0 victory in Doha last month against Syria. But only the top two teams from the group qualify automatically for Russia.

Emphasising how desperate China and Qatar are to qualify for the 2018 tournament, both have sacked their coaches during the current round of qualifying.

Notably, China have appointed World Cup winning-coach Marcello Lippi on a reputed $20 million-a-year contract to revive hope in their almost moribund World Cup campaign. Tuesday’s game will be his first big test in charge of “Team Dragon”.

Qatar turned back to popular former coach Jorge Fossati after losing their first two matches in this round of qualifying, despite storming through the last stage.

Lippi said he and the Chinese nation are hoping for a miracle. —