With the Beijing Games just around the corner, China's Olympic football squad is yet to finalize the roster to play at its doorstep.
The team needs to fulfill an Olympic dream to win back the hearts of home fans after the senior side's attempt to reach the 2010 World Cup finals crashed again last month.
Having won two warm-ups against Vietnam and Malaysia, China has two more competitive matches against Australia and Serbia in run-up to the Olympics.
The team's Serbian coach Ratomir Dujcovic has revealed that three overage players, namely Zheng Zhi, Li Weifeng and Han Peng, will be very likely to be included to lend the team experience and edge.
One of the best footballers in China, national team captain Zheng Zhi always has a place in Dujcovic's line-up. Dujcovic told an interview with local press that Zheng's experience and ability is crucial for the Olympic team.
Joining Charlton Athletic in a permanent deal in August 2007 for a fee of 2 million pounds, Zheng swiftly consolidates his place as a midfield playmaker in the English club.
Zheng's road to the Beijing Games has not been smooth. First there was a doubt over whether Charlton would release him, and then his fitness problem that had already impacted the national team's overall performance in the World Cup qualifiers.
"The Olympics could affect my profession in England, but it is not a sacrifice," he said. "As a Chinese, to play for the country whenever it needs me is always my responsibility."
"My injury is an old one and I am satisfied with my recovery. I hope I can be completely fit within 20 days," he said.
As for the objective in the Games, Zheng said the initial goal is to reach the knockout stage.
"Beijing is the host city of the Olympic Games. All of us hope we can meet our rivals there. I and my teammates will not give up trying," he said.
For Zheng, this Olympic Games has another attachment as China was grouped in Group C with Brazil, Belgium and New Zealand in Shenyang, Zheng's home in northeast China's Liaoning province.
"In the Sydney Games qualifiers in 1999, I, then 19, tried my best amid cheers from countless fans, but failed to live up to their expectation. The Olympic dream was broken," in a video clip aired frequently on local TV, Zheng tells his fans. "These years I have grown up a lot. Now I am anticipating the Beijing Games to make up for the supporters. We are going to turn a new page on the history of Chinese football."
The team's oldest player, Li Weifeng is the unrivaled mainstay in the defense. He has been nicknamed "Datou" (big head) thanks to his outstanding heading skills. But also well-known is his rude behavior on the field, which already cost him his captain armband of the national team in 2006.
However, Li's importance in Chinese defense is irreplaceable. Facing Brazil's world-class attacking duo Robinio and Alexandre Pato of AC Milan, Li will have even tougher games to play than in the World Cup qualifiers.
"I hope I could have no regrets during my whole football career," Li said. "But losing the qualifiers of South Africa World Cup has cast a shadow over my heart."
"In fact, many players in my generation are excellent. It's just they don't have such good fortune as I do. As a representative of my generation, I will be tougher on myself and try to play better during the Olympics," he added.
The Olympic team also boasts Manchester United striker Dong Fangzhuo, a rising star who have skipped a number of earlier matches.
He is not sufficiently known by Dujcovic. However, he well proved his importance by a goal two minutes after he was sent to play in the match against Malaysia on Sunday.
Dong's partner in the front, Zhu Ting, has always been one of Dujcovic's favorites. The Serbian has given him ample opportunities to play for the senior team.
(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2008)