In the round of 18, China was used as a soft persimmon
The draw for the round of 18 of the 2026 World Cup Asian Cup qualifiers has been released, and China is in Group C, which can be said to be the next draw. After the grouping was completed, each team initially set their goals.
Japan head coach Mori Hoichi: At least 4 points against Australia, 6 points against Saudi Arabia, 6 points against Bahrain, 6 points against China, 6 points against Indonesia, at least 28 points, the first place in the group to advance to the World Cup;
Australian coach Arnold's outlook for the round of 18 results: at least 1 point against Japan, 4 points against Saudi Arabia, 6 points against Bahrain, 6 points against China, 6 points against Indonesia, and at least 23 points to qualify for the World Cup;
Saudi Arabia coach Roberto Mancini talked about the goal of the round of 18: against Japan, get 1 point correctly, against Australia, at least 3 points, double Bahrain to get 6 points, double China to get 6 points, double Indonesia to get 6 points, to ensure 22 points, and strive for the second place in the group to get the ticket to the World Cup.
Bahrain coach Taragic mentioned when talking about the round of 18 today: Japan and Australia are strong teams, against Japan basically have no chance of winning, strive to get 1 point from Australia, if you are lucky, you may be able to get 3 points, against Saudi Arabia to go all out, either 2 points or 3 points, desperately can get 4 points, China and Indonesia are weak teams, hope to kill both teams, the easiest 12 points to get, that is, the group score is between 15-17 points, and strive for the best group third place to play the play-offs.
The most annoying thing is Indonesian coach Shen Tailong: against Japan, you can't get points, you have to get 1 point against Australia, you have to get at least 1 point against Saudi Arabia, you have to get 4 points against Bahrain, you have to beat the Chinese team twice, get 6 points, and you are guaranteed to get 12 points, and strive for the fourth place in the group to participate in the next fourth stage of the competition.
China is too weak now, and it doesn't take China seriously, and when it draws China, it feels like picking up a treasure.
The Chinese team has to compete once, do we also have to fight for the third place in the group?