China wary of ´difficult´ Australia

China coach Alain Perrin has predicted a “very difficult” test when his side face host nation Australia in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

China are bracing themselves for a tricky Asian Cup quarter-final against Australia on Thursday night after they made it three wins from three in Group B on Sunday. 

Alain Perrin’s China have been the tournament’s surprise-packets so far, winning all three games to top a tough group ahead of Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.

On Sunday in Canberra, the Chinese disposed of North Korea 2-1 in front of a vocal pro-China crowd. 

It means Perrin’s men have a meeting with Australia in Brisbane on Thursday night for a spot in the semi-finals.

Perrin, whose side won two of their three group games on the bumpy Brisbane Stadium surface, says his team is gaining confidence with each outing in the tournament.

“We know to play the host team will be very difficult for us but after three difficult matches we’ve got a new record for China with nine points,” said Perrin after Sunday’s 2-1 victory over North Korea.

“During our first two games we played in Brisbane and we know the pitch condition and we know it’s not very good.

“I think it’s a pity for a knockout stage game.”

Attacker Sun Ke was the hero for China against the Koreans, scoring both goals in a dominant first-half display.

When asked about facing the home side, the Jiangsu Sainty winger said: “Of course Australia are a very strong team and this time they are the hosts. I’m sure the next match will be very difficult for us. 

“But we just need to do what we should do. I think if we can focus on the game, and keep our concentration to make sure we pay attention to every detail, I think we can leave the pitch having performed well.”