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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