New Delhi: China’s new regime got off to a good start on Friday evening as they drew 1-1 against Germany in a friendly in Shanghai.
Hao Junmin gave the hosts a great start with a goal after just four minutes though Lucas Podolski soon equalised.
It was the first match for new coach Gao Hongbo who has been charged with rebuilding the national team’s fortunes after early elimination from qualification from the 2010 World Cup.
The fans in Shanghai Stadium were delighted with the display and were on the feet soon after the kick off as Hao Junmin dribbled past three German defenders to fire home the opening goal past Robert Enke.
Just three minutes later however, Germany, who face UAE in Dubai on Tuesday, were back on level terms after springing an ineffective offside trap.
Bastian Schweinsteiger found Podolski in the area and the striker made no mistake from close range.
The rest of the game could have gone either way with both teams having chances to grab the winner.
In the end however, China were grateful for a confidence-boosting result in the first game of their youngest coach for over 30 years.
China take on Iran on Monday and then Saudi Arabia five days later as the visitors prepare for qualification matches in North and South Korea.
Congratulations To Barcelona, But Real Madrid Will Be Back - Iker Casillas
The goalkeeper has stated that Madrid will bounce back to challenge Barca next season...
Iker Casillas has sent Barcelona his congratulations but has also warned them that Real Madrid will bounce back next season.
The capital club have seen the Catalans take their Primera crown from them and have watched their rivals become the first Spanish side to win the treble.
Speaking this afternoon, Casillas did not shy away from congratulating them for their achievements, and also stated that his team will stick with them.
"One must congratulate Barcelona because they have been the best team and have deserved to win three titles. However, one must also notify them that next season Real Madrid will strengthen very well and we are going to try to beat them," Marca report him as saying.
"There is healthy envy, because we have not had a good season and our rivals have...I have admiration for Barcelona and say congratulations."
Certainly Barcelona have been in a different class than most of the teams in Spain this season and, even with Juande Ramos in charge, Madrid have not been able to catch them.
Casillas says that "three seasons ago we were worse than this" and also acknowledges that personally, "I started the year late, I only came home around Christmas".
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