Chinese media focus on quarters clash while Australia eyes Japan

With China yet to play its last AFC Asian Cup Group B match against DPR Korea, Chinese media have begun to discuss its prospect of winning the quarterfinal clash with host nation Australia.

China, which has secured a slot in the quarter-finals after beating Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan earlier in the group stage, faces DPR Korea in Canberra later on Sunday.

Hours before the kickoff of the China vs DPR Korea game, few reports about the game could be seen on Chinese internet, which instead are full of comments on China's next match against Australia on Jan. 22.

According to a poll by Sina.com, the leading portal in China, over 40 percent of Chinese Internet users believe that China could beat Australia to make the semifinals. And about a quarter of the 7,636 surveyed predict that China will be eliminated before the semifinal stage.

Another portal site, Netease, quoted former Chinese international Fan Zhiyi as saying that China should be more confident ahead of the Australia match.

"Team China is no longer what it used to be. I think we can hold Australia at bay," said Fan.

In stark contrast, the Australian media are optimistic about the home team's passage to the semifinals.

The Australia Broadcasting Corporation said: "Australia's second-place finish means it will likely play Group B leaders China in the last eight, but opens up the prospect of facing rivals Japan in the semifinals if the hosts get through."

Australia is hunting its first Asian Cup title from three tournaments since switching to the Asian confederation. Australia was runner-up in 2011 Asian Cup. Endi