BEIJING -- Over two fifths of Chinese Internet users believe China will not qualify for the last eight of the upcoming Asian Cup, according to a poll by Sina.com on Thursday.

About 42.7 percent of 2,300 surveyed by the popular Chinese news portal hold China will be eliminated after the group stage. Only 17.2 percent think China will win the tournament.

About 32.6 percent expect Uzbekistan to be the dark horse to spring surprise and nearly half predict Japan to lift the trophy and one fifth favor Australia as eventual winner.

The Asian Cup will kick off Friday in Australia.