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Chinese soccer gratifying in Asia under soccer reform

Xinhua, May 5, 2015 Adjust font size:

As China is carrying out soccer reform after an overall reform plan unveiled late March, Chinese soccer has achieved some good results in Asia.

Guangzhou Evergrande climbed to the first position in Asia in the world club rankings released by footballdatabase.com on Tuesday, while Beijing Guo'an ranked the 19th.

Guangzhou is also looking to make a new record as they will collect the most points in AFC league group stage since their attendance if they beat defending champions Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday.

Head coach Fabio Gannavaro said Guangzhou will spare no effort to grab three points. Guangzhou have already sealed top spot in the group with 10 points, and if they win the match, they will send the Wanderers to be the first defending champions to go out at group stage.

Beijing Guo'an need just a single point to advance to the last 16 in their final group match against Suwon Bluewings. The Chinese side have a chance to get through on goal difference even if they lost.

As the K League Classic side has already made the knockout stage, Guo'an coach Gregorio Manzano was confident his team could advance.

"We know that it is possible we can progress to the second round even if we lose, but we are not thinking about it," said Manzano.

What really troubled Manzano is how to arrange his formation without the injured and suspended players. Beijing will be without suspended trio Lang Zheng, Ha Dae-sung and Yu Dabao, as well as injured center-back Xu Yunlong.

"It is difficult for us without a few key players, especially when many of them are in the same position, but we are ready," the 59-year-old Spanish said. Endi