China's hopes of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is almost over after suffering a humiliating 0-1 defeat to a ragtag team from war-torn Syria of all countries. It was Syria's first win in the FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifiers now being held at Xian, the "blessed place" for Chinese football.
With no victories, two losses and a tie in three games in Group A, a draw or a loss in its game against Uzbekistan on Oct. 11 will end China's quest to qualify for World Cup finals for only the second time in its history.
Unfortunately, the Chinese aren't given much of a chance against the Uzbeks, who beat Syria 1-0 in their encounter. The Syrian media was ecstatic at the victory, a rare glimmer of good news in a country plagued by a murderous civil war that's been going on for five years.
Syria is ranked 114th in world football. China is ranked 78th.
Mahmoud al-Mawas, the 23 year-old midfielder, scored for Syria in the 55th minute. China, on the other hand, squandered a chance to take the lead in the 37th minute when Zhang Xizhe failed to convert a free kick against Syrian goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma.
The win gave Syria four points in its group and a hold on fourth place. The loss relegated China to fifth place. South Korea and Iran lead the group with 7 points. Qatar is in last place.
The six teams in Group A are South Korea, Iran, Uzbekistan, China, Qatar and Syria.
China was beaten 2-3 by South Korea and 0-1 by Syria. It held Iran to a scoreless draw. It still has to face Uzbekistan and Qatar. China will likely beat Qatar, which is last in Group A.
The first and only time China qualified for the World Cup finals was in 2002 with a victory over Qatar in Xian, an event that led to the city in Shaanxi province being labeled the blessed place for Chinese football.
China will now need another miracle to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in the blessed place.
This is also China's first appearance in the final round of the Asian qualifiers for a World Cup since they qualified for South Korea/Japan 2002, their first and only appearance in the World Cup finals.
"Our defense line made a mistake and let the rivals grab a chance in counterattack," said China coach Gao Hongbo after the shock loss to Syria.
"We should learn from the loss and focus on the next game," said Chinese team captain Feng Xiaoting.
China mounted a desperate series of attacks in the final minutes but failed to find goal.