Call off the criticism’ says Yin
China’s caretaker coach Yin Tiesheng mounted a stiff defence of his players ahead of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the Zhejiang…
China opened their Group D campaign with a disappointing 3-2 defeat in Syria, where Qu Bo and Liu Jian’s second-half goals were not enough to salvage anything from the game after the hosts had raced into a three-goal lead.
Following their failure to make it beyond the third round of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and a poor showing at the Beijing Olympics, it has been a difficult time for the national team of late.
But Yin insisted attacking his side is counter-productive,
“We have analysed the previous match (against Syria) and some of the players have learned how to avoid the same mistakes in the coming games,” he said.
“We should stop criticising them because I believe they will learn. Criticism is of no use now.”
Taking three points against a Vietnam side who top the group following their 3-1 win over Lebanon will be no easy feat, however, but Yin was confident China will stand up to the test provided by the recently crowned ASEAN champions.
“There is no doubt that we aim to claim three points at home,” said Yin
“We need more possession of the ball and to get behind the opponents’ defence down the wings.
“We have no choice but to defeat Vietnam but we can’t wilt under the pressure.”
China will be without left winger Sun Xiang, defender Sun Jihai and playmaker Zheng Zhi as the trio all play overseas.
Du Zhenyu, China’s player of the year in 2007, and Qu Bo will therefore be tasked with unlocking the visitors’ defence and Yin added his players were keen to make amends for last week’s defeat.
“Du Wei and Wang Dong were very down after the Syria match,” he revealed.
“It will affect our performance in the next game but we should do our best to minimise the negative impact.
“I also need Qu Bo’s scoring ability. After all, he is the most prolific finisher in the team now.
“Vietnam are likely to be defence-minded and we need to create more clear-cut scoring chances.”
Despite Vietnam’s new-found status as the form team of South East Asia, coach Henrique Calisto conceded victory for his side was unlikely, especially as they are without suspended start striker Le Cong Vinh and injured keeper Duong Hong Son.
“China are a strong side in Asia and are odds-on favourite,” Calisto said.
“But we still have a small chance. We are here to battle for a victory though the chances are small.”
