China won't sack coach after Asian Cup exit

Posted Monday, January 17, 2011 by chinadaily.com

DOHA - China's soccer governing body will not consider sacking anyone from the national team's coaching staff for their Asian Cup exit, said team leader Cao Jingwei after Sunday's group match.

"No one will be laid off," Cao told press in the post-match mixed zone after China drew strong rivals Uzbekistan 2-2 at the last Group A match. "The team has achieved what they were asked for and has showed potential."

The third-ranked Chinese were thus eliminated from the Asian Cup with four points from three matches, while leaders Uzbekistan and hosts Qatar advanced. Kuwait, beaten 3-0 by Qatar on Sunday, were out, too, with empty hands.

Midfielder Yu Hai opened the scoring on six minutes for China following a corner in Sunday's do-or-die match, before Odil Akhmedov levelled it at 28.

Uzbekistan took the lead one minute into the second half through Alexander Geynrikh before Shalke 04 player Hao Junmin equalized with a well-curved free-kick on 56 minutes.

China had needed a victory by at least two goals to secure a last eight place after beating Kuwait and losing to hosts Qatar.

"Before the third and last match, our players were under huge pressure and desperate to get through the first round. They played a fine game, considering what they were shouldering," Cao said.

"The players fought so hard and we were satisfied with their performance," he added.

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