Soccer fans let out a collective groan after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) last week gave Australia the green light to become part of the Asian family for World Cup qualifying purposes.

With the further hurdle in the way of the national team, progressing to the finals of the competition for only the second time seems a distant dream.

In a poll conducted by China's top website Sina.com.cn, more than 70 percent of respondents agreed that China will face an even tougher challenge in qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

Adding to the woes, Australia eased past China's Asian rivals Iraq 2-1 on Saturday and then Indonesia 3-0 on Tuesday in two warm-up matches.

"Even without Australia, China have so many difficulties in qualifying. Now, things are getting worse and I don't think China will have any chance of advancing to the 2010 World Cup," said Beijing student Gao Ran.

A more extreme fan posted a message on the website saying Australia or not, China have no hope in the next 10 years.

"I think the only thing we can do now is to separate China from Asia and set up a 'China Continent'. Then we can play in the World Cup as long as FIFA gives us a ticket," said pessimistic 45-year-old Lin Long from Shanghai.

The highly embarrassing memory of the world's most populous country being dumped out of the race to qualify for the 2006 World Cup by unfancied Kuwait last year is still fresh in the minds of bitter fans.

With a long footballing history, China's first World Cup appearance came in 2002 under the guidance of Bora Milutinovic from Serbia and Montenegro, mostly thanks to the fact that main rivals Japan and Korea were not in the race as they automatically qualified as host countries.

Australia have sought to leave the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to join the AFC in the hope of making World Cup qualifying easier.

At present, Oceania winners have to face a South American team in a two-leg play-off, while Asia has four automatic qualifying berths and a play-off.

AFC secretary-general Peter Velappan said there were several procedures to be met before Australia officially was confirmed as a member of the Asian confederation.

Australia first have to receive permission from the OFC at a meeting in Noumea, New Caledonia, on April 16 and then any decision has to be ratified by the world governing body FIFA.

Australia's probable entry into the AFC would mean four and a half World Cup qualifying places would be in their sights, instead of the "half place" available through the play-off.

Australia have consistently failed to qualify for the World Cup since 1974 mainly because of the tough system. New Zealand, who are expected to bear the brunt of the consequences of Australia's exit from a weakened Oceania confederation, have indicated they will not stand in Australia's path.

Bitter support

The AFC executive committee, at its one-day meeting, has "unanimously approved the wishes of Australia to join the AFC," said AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam.

"It is beneficial for both Australia to join us in better competitions and for the AFC to have Australia with all its technical standards and capabilities," he told reporters.

The vote is sweet for Australia.

Apart from more qualifying berths, they are to benefit from wider exposure and tougher matches in the Asian league, which could bring in higher revenues.

But bitter for China.

Though CFA vice-president Zhang Jilong also voted for Australia's participation, his unwillingness and concern are apparent.

According to Zhang, even if China had chosen to vote against, the result would not have changed.

"Not only could we not change the result, (voting against) would be seen as an unfriendly gesture to Australia," Zhang said.

In the face of the new contender, newly appointed director of the China Football Administration Centre Xie Yalong admitted pressure is even greater.

"Our national team and Australia are not on the same level and it is clear we have more troubles in the Asian Qualifying Zone."

But he asked for more efforts to shake off the concerns.

"So the situation requires us to improve our ability as soon as possible. Only by doing so are we able to fight for a ticket with them," Xie said.

"Our target of advancing to the 2010 World Cup will not be changed."

Another vice-president of the CFA Yang Yimin, who is in charge of the national side, also tried to relieve the pressure on the team.

"We have many rivals in Asia apart from Australia. What we should do now is to be focused on ourselves. If we make no improvement, it does not make any different whether Australia join or not."

Yang's remarks were echoed by the new head coach Zhu Guanghu, whose team were beaten 3-0 last Saturday by Spain and then 1-0 by Ireland on Tuesday in two friendlies.

"Actually I have doubt that Australia are sure to benefit from their move. As for us, we will not be afraid of any opponents as long as we are bidding for the World Cup."

(China Daily March 31, 2005)