High-stakes game for Camacho

Chinese national coach could be out of a job if team doesn't win on Friday

David Beckham is visiting town this week as an ambassador in the hope of improving China's reputation in the soccer community, but even the English superstar's goodwill will be unable to save Spanish coach Jose Antonio Camacho's reputation if his Chinese soccer team fails to win its Asian Cup qualifier against Iraq on Friday on home soil.

The 57-year-old former Spain and Real Madrid handler's tenure as China boss suffered a huge blow last month as his misfiring side was beaten 2-1 away by Saudi Arabia in its opening game of the qualifiers.

Some local media have reported that a loss or even a draw in Changsha Helong Sports Center, Hunan province, could signal the end of Camacho's stint in China, which has been far from impressive since he took charge of the national team in 2010.

China crashed out in the first round of World Cup qualifying last February and had to play a slate of friendly games to stay in shape and try to come together as a team. However, it has lost four friendlies since June of last year, including an 8-0 drubbing by Brazil, and has won just once.

Adding to the coach's misery is the latest FIFA world rankings, in which China slumped to a lowest-ever 109th position.

Camacho is well aware of the significance of beating Iraq in a bid to keep the team's hopes of advancing to the Asian Cup finals alive as well as relieve the huge burden on the side from the fans and media.

"We are under pressure after the first loss. Every game is significant for us now," he said. "It's the national team and we have the responsibility to try our best. In Changsha, we must win.

"We have to be focused from the first minute and to show the determination that we are the favorites to win the game.

"I also hope fans can keep their trust and support of the team. Come to the stadium and cheer our games."

Lippi to take over?

Even if Beckham, who was invited by Chinese Football Association to tour the country in a bid to improve soccer's image here, does somehow bring some good luck to Camacho and his team, it might not be enough to end fans' calls for the Spaniard's dismissal.

"China's third match in the Asian Cup qualifying will come in October, and that would provide a long break for the CFA to find a coaching replacement and for the newcomer to adjust the team and reshape players' form," fan Liu Bin said on leading portal sports.sina.com.

Some have even called for Italian Marcello Lippi, now coach of league champion Guangzhou Evergrande, to take over the national job and lead the team out of the doldrums.

Lippi will be at Friday night's game, but the Italian World Cup-winning coach insists he will be there only to watch the performances of his Guangzhou players.

New CFA boss Zhang Jian,Vice-President Yu Hongchen and sports Vice-Minister Cai Zhenhua will also be present.

Yu admits Iraq is a strong opponent, which beat China twice - home and away - in World Cup qualifying preliminary clashes.

"We have to fully prepare for this critical game," he said. "We know lots of people will turn their attention to this home game. I hope that will inspire the players to play their best."

Schedule:

Remaining group games (home team named first).

Oct 5: Indonesia vs China

Nov 15: China vs Indonesia

Nov 19: China vs Saudi Arabia

March 5, 2014: Iraq vs China

chenxiangfeng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/21/2013 page24)