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Feng: We can surprise Korea Republi

Submitted by vzfifacoin on Wed, 03/22/2017 - 16:21

Steered by Lippi
China will re-unite with the Koreans under a new boss. Former FIFA World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi took over the side last October. Having guided Guangzhou to three domestic league titles and an Asian championship,fut coins Feng is hoping that the Italian manager will continue his magic touch with the Chinese national team this time.

He said: "Coach Lippi has plenty of knowledge about the Chinese players and Asian teams after coaching Guangzhou for several years. Under him, we showed improved play in the last match against Qatar despite failing to win. Lippi has done a lot in helping us mentally. He has urged us to feel strong. He encourages us to play the way we play with our respective clubs. The progress we have made under him is evident, although we won't become a different team overnight. It takes time."

Feng was named the new captain last March when China were on the brink of elimination in the previous qualifying round. Under former coach Gao Hongbo, Feng and Co won three matches out of three, including a 2-0 victory over Qatar to seal their return to Asia's final stage of World Cup qualifying in dramatic fashion. "We ended a 15-year wait to return to Asia's final qualifying round. But perhaps it had been too long since we had competed in top-level continental competitions, so we didn't begin well. We were too tense," he reflected.

With all but nothing to lose, though, Feng was adamant that they will give their all as they aim to revive their fortunes. "World Cup qualifying is unlike any other competition. It is the most important competition in Asia, so we won't give up without a fight.fut 17 coins Of course, I want very much to go to the World Cup next year in Russia. It is possibly my last World Cup qualifying campaign, because I will be 37 by the 2022 World Cup. I am not young, but I am in my prime now, both physically and mentally. I am prepared and I hope we won't let the chances slip away this time around.”