Overview

China, one of three great powers of East Asian football, is agitated after a shocking defeat. China suffered a rather humiliating 1-5 defeat against Thailand, which, despite its lead in Southeast Asia, was considered a rank below. The head coach Jose Antonio Camacho was hired to transplant Spanish football into the team, which holds hegemony in the football world. The unexpected defeat was followed by his resignation.
Like Korea Republic, China enters the championships amidst turmoil. Fu Bo, who formerly assisted Camacho, was made the acting head coach for the upcoming East Asian Cup. It is interesting what effects will be brought upon by the leadership change. Fu Bo did not make major changes to his team possibly to avoid criticism. Some of the players who ran in the match against Thailand, including Feng Xiaoting and Zhao Peng were replaced, but the majority of the team remains unchanged. Fu Bo's intentions seems to be to give a second opportunity and make use of their eagerness to regain their pride, while maximizing team integrity by keeping things as it is. He did not forget to appoint players like Zheng Zi, Sun Xiang and Gao Lin who will play an important part in their respective positions. Despite the hurt pride, China seems to be ready to show its potential to its full. It is fascinating to see whether China will be able to overcome its scarred self-esteem and give the game a twist worthy of the defending champion.

Head Coach Fu Bo

Fu Bo assisted Camacho and acted as the head coach in the Chinese national team in the U-22. He is to replace Camacho who stepped down after the defeat against Thailand as the head coach in the 2013 East Asian Cup. He was there when China gloriously won the last 2010 East Asian Cup, assisting head coach Gao Hongbo. During Camacho's leadership, he effectively acted as a bridge between the Chinese players and the Spanish head coach. The time given to this new acting head coach spans only three matchs in the East Asian Cup. The Chinese Football Association announced that, after the East Asian Cup under the acting head coach, the 2015 AFC Asian Cup will be led under a new head coach. Although there may be leadership issues with the head coach seat empty, there is a chance that the acting head coach Fu Bo will make the next head coach, if the results are satisfactory. Moreover, very little leadership problems are expected as the team's morales rise to regain their pride.

Star Player Zhang Linpeng

Zhang Linpeng is the key defender in Guangzhou Evergrande, a force to be reckoned with in the AFC Champions League. He is known to be the best defender in the Chinese Super League. He is nicknamed by fans as "Zhangmos" because of his image and playing style similar to the Spanish key defender Sergio Ramos. He is a jewel from the Chinese youth system, known for powerful tackles and man-marking skills. However, his downside is his frequent red cards due to his aggressive playing manners. It is interesting how he will manage the team's defense without Feng Xiaoting.