BACOLOD, the Philippines, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- China men's national football team arrived in Bacolod, central Philippines on Sunday in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying game against the Philippines.
Wu Xi, the Chinese midfielder who saw action in the previous two games between both teams, told Xinhua that the whole team should keep a humble heart for every qualifying game.
The Chinese left wing-back Li Lei was cut from the squad before the 25-man squad's departure due to the injury.
The two teams have already met two times this year. China hammered the Philippines 3-0 in the group stage in AFC Asian Cup 2019 and then beat the opponent 2-0 in an international friendly held in Guangzhou this July.
According to the China Football Association, the Team Dragon will start training on Monday.
The Filipinos, which gathered and came to Bacolod a few days ago, have begun its twice-a-day training session to face the challenge from the highest FIFA-ranking team in Group A.
The goalkeeper Neil Etheridge told Xinhua in an interview that his injury is completely recovered and he looks forward to lining-up in the clash against China.
"We know China is a powerhouse in this group but we will trying everything to find ways to block them," he said.
Currently, the hosts sit with 3 points with one win and one loss in the qualifiers while China sits at the first slot in the group with two wins over the Maldives and Guam.
Syria is also in Group A with two wins.
A total of 40 teams will play across eight groups in the second round of Asian qualifiers. Eight group winners and the four best runners-up will qualify for the next round.
The bout will kick off at 8 p.m. at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, said the Philippine Football Federation.
