China looks to miracle in Olympic qualifying

Xinhuanet - The Chinese under-23 soccer team are determined to create a miracle, even though they know fate is not in their own hands after South Korea notched up their fourth consecutive victory in the Asian zone Olympic Qualifying tournament. 

With a stylish 3-0 win over Malaysia on Wednesday, South Korea now lead Group A with a perfect 12 points from four matches -- twowins against Malaysia and one each against China and Iran. 

China are second with four points, followed by Iran with three and Malaysia with one. 

South Korea has two more games to play -- against China on May 1 and Iran on May 12. 

Should China win their remaining three matches and Iran, their opponents on Friday, beat South Korea on May 12, the 

China coach Shen Xiangfu, who was under fire after his side were held 1-1 at home by underdogs Malaysia on March 20, refused to concede a defeat. 

"We have no choice but to gain three points from Friday's match," Shen said. "Three points now is not about pride, we are still gunning for qualification to Athens." 

Central defender Zhang Yaokun said he and his teammates didn't expect Malaysia would help them by beating the South Koreans. 

"We had expected South Korea to win," said the Dalian Shide full-back. 

"We did not expect South Korea to make the same mistake as we did on March 20. To think that Malaysia would hold South Korea wasnot realistic. 

"South Korea were already taught a lesson when they narrowly defeated Malaysia away. They were very professional, taking Malaysia seriously. Even if they had to play 10 matches, they would be preparing to win all 10." 

But Zhang insisted that the opponents' victory would not weakenthe Chinese team's resolve. 

"We cannot rely on anyone. All we can do is to play well in theremaining three matches and not think about too much," he said. Enditem