BEIJING, April 21 -- China men's and women's soccer teams are looking to deliver more than expected at the Olympic Games after they were drawn in favorable groups last night in Beijing. The men's team is grouped with Brazil, New Zealand and Belgium.
The last time China competed at an Olympic Games was 20 years ago in Seoul and the long-time underachiever in the sport had to rely on the host's right to gain a berth this time.
Even so, the draw gives China a good chance to make headway.
While star-studded Brazil - with Kaka, Alexandre Pato and the rest - is almost assured to top the group, China stands a good chance of finishing second, if it can overcome New Zealand and Belgium.
Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA president, addresses the official draw ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games football tournaments, in Beijing, capital of China, April 20, 2008. Twenty-eight teams including 16 men's teams and 12 women's teams will be competing in the Beijing Olympics football tournaments, to be held in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao on Aug. 6-23
Then it would likely face the top team from Group D, which includes Honduras, South Korea, Italy and Cameroon.
China's Serbian head coach Ratomir Dujkovic, who took over the team two years ago, previously said he expects to lead the team into the semifinals.
He said he was pleased with the group draw, as well as the schedule, which sees China open its account against New Zealand on Aug 7 and play its final match against group favorite Brazil.
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