CHINA coach Li Tie on Monday hoped his team can enjoy the crucial game against Syria in the FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifying tournament.

“Every match is vital for Team China. There’s no need to consider anything else other than the game itself. I hope the team will enjoy this game and show their best,” Li told the pre-match press conference.

Round Two of the qualifying tournament witnesses 40 teams competing in eight groups in a home-and-away round-robin format.

Each group winner and the best five runners-up will advance to the final round.

China is standing second in Group A with 16 points, five points short of leader Syria, which has already qualified after seven games.

Now, China needs only a tie with Syria to be one of the best five runners-up. In certain circumstances, China can even afford a loss.

Highly valuing the rival, Li said that his team is well prepared with a strong desire for a win over Syria.

China captain Wu Xi also told the press conference that they have already adjusted themselves to the best form for the Syria game.

(Xinhua)