China ready for World Cup qualifier
(cctv)
Updated: 2004-10-08 16:13

To get ready for their upcoming world cup qualifier against Kuwait, coach Arie Hann has been concentrating on beefing up the team's physical strength.

Top players Shao Jiayi and Sun Jihai have returned from playing overseas, and the whole squad gathered in Xianghe county, Hebei province.

Shao Jiayi and Sun Jihai took part in the training session on Wednesday. Shao expressed his confidence ahead of the upcoming match against Kuwait.

Shao Jiayi said, "The match is of great importance for us, and it will be a tough fight because we are the visitors. However, as I said before, China is much stronger than Kuwait, so we are confident we can win"

During the two-day long training session, young player Du Wei has caught the attention of the coach Arie Hann. Du is now the first choice substitute when Shao Jiayi is out of action.

The training session focused on passing and attacking skills with Hann seeming pleased at what he saw.

For both China and Kuwait, the match on October 13 is of great importance: up for grabs is a place in the next round of qualifying matches in 2005.