China's men's national team hosted Qatar in Kunming in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. New coach Marcello Lippi was hoping for a victory in his debut as he seeks to rescue the Chinese who have only one point after four matches in Group A. Qatar are also in need of a win as they only have three points to sit fifth in the 6-team group.
The home fans are eager to show their support despite the national team's struggles. Lippi, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, took charge last month following the resignation of Gao Hongbo.
China have ample opportunities to score but they just can't find a way through. Jiang Zhipeng's free-kick is a whisker away from making it 1-0.
A few minutes later, Jiang has another opportunity to give China the advantage but his hastiness in front of goal cost the home side dearly.
Qatar's Mohammed Musa is going to connect on a one-timer, but sends his shot straight at China's Yan Junling and the match is goalless at half-time.
The hosts come closest in the 55th minute, when Huang Bowen's corner is headed on by Wu Xi whose diving effort is tipped onto the crossbar by Saad Al Sheeb. (REPLAY) A fantastic attempt for Wu, but an even better save.
China's keeper Yan is called upon to stop a missile from long distance as Rodrigo Tabata's takes aim from a free-kick.
With time running out, China are once again denied by the woodwork when captain Zheng Zhi's shot caroms off the post and it ends in a 0-0 draw.
Next up for Lippi's side is South Korea in March 2017.
"It's a big shame that we didn't win today. We dominated our opponents, and created many chances. Wu Xi, Zheng Zhi and I all had great chances to seal the win, and it's a great pity that we didn't seize them," China defender Jiang Zhipeng said.
"We played our best football. I told my players in the locker room that I'm very satisfied with their perfomance. And they should feel satisfied too. With only ten days of preparation, we should feel happy that our team can play at this level. What we need is just some luck," Lipi said.
So in the Group A table, Iran are still leaders after a 0-0 draw on the road against Syria. South Korea are one point behind after a 2-1 home win over Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan are third on 9 points, followed by Syria and Qatar. China still sit last on two points from five matches.