China overseas stars set for bench time
(footballasia.com/Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-07-17 23:17

The two overseas-based stars in China's Asian Cup 2004 squad could be watching Saturday's opening match from the bench at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing as coach Arie Haan looks to field some of his more recent call-ups against Bahrain.

Manchester City full-back Sun Jihai and left winger Shao Jiayi of German side 1860 Munich look likely to be sidelined from the match for tactical reasons.

China in training on Friday evening

Sun, formerly a lynchpin of the China side, is under pressure from both Li Ming and Xu Yunlong for his customary position on China’s right wing.

Meanwhile, Shao’s speed and free-kick expertise may be sacrificed with Under-23 left winger Yan Song in blistering form.

Other new faces may also be brought into the China line-up for Saturday’s match. In the team’s final training session on Friday evening, Xu Yunlong was deployed as the right winger of the first team, while Sun Jihai joined the subsitutes’ side as their left winger.

Recently recruited Li Ming, who was on the right side of midfield for the subsitutes’ side, could also be in strong contention for a starting role in that position.

Another new face, Li Xiaopeng, who scored a brace against Malaysia on his international debut under Haan, could also be given a starting position to enhance China's attacking ability from midfield.

Li Xiaopeng’s Shandong Luneng teammate club, Li Jinyu, top scorer in the 2002 C-League is expected to play upfront alongside the talismanic Hao Haidong.

China - Possible starting line-up

Goalkeeper: Liu Yunfei

Defender: Sun Xiang, Li Weifeng, Zheng Zhi, Wei Xin

Midfield: Yan Song, Zhao Junzhe, Li Xiaopeng, Xu Yunlong

Forwards: Hao Haidong, Li Jinyu

(courtesy of footballasia.com)

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