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Asian U-17 champions China aiming for glory at worlds
(Footballasia.com)
Updated: 2005-09-16 09:20
PERU – Reigning AFC Under-17 champions China look set to be at the forefront
of Asia’s bid for glory when the 11th edition of the FIFA Under-17 World
Championship starts in Peru on Friday.
China’s South American
adventure comes courtesy of last September’s continental success in Japan where,
in a tense final, Wang Weilong’s late strike proved enough to beat a resolute
DPR Korea 1-0.
Along with the runners-up and Qatar (the third placed team in Japan), the
China will now be hoping to reproduce the same form that saw them lift their
second AFC Under-17 crown at the impressive Fujieda Stadium in Shizuoka.
The aspirations of China’s stars of tomorrow – which notably includes giant
goalkeeper and 2004 AFC Youth Player of the Year nominee Wang Dalei as well as
the ultra quick Liaoning striker Yang Xu – have, however, not been helped by the
draw for their first round of fixtures in the Peruvian city of Trujillo.
Placed in Group A, the East Asians will face stiff resistance from host
nation Peru, two-time Under-17 champions Ghana and CONCACAF outfit Costa Rica
for one of the top two places that ensure a spot in the last eight.
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 | | | China rout S. Korea 94-49 | | |  | | | Liu Xiang to compete with Johnson Saturday | | |  | | | Isinbayeva, gatlin and Nelson | | |
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![Asian U-17 champions China are hoping to shine on the international stage [WSG]](xin_57090216092303401491.jpg)
