Stage set for China Cup kick-off, hosts to play Wales in opening game

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The countdown has already begun for the much-anticipated football event in China as the home side is taking on Wales in the opening game of International China Cup tournament on Thursday, March 22.

It's the first-ever match between the two teams and China manager Marcello Lippi – who guided Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 – sounded optimistic about his team's ability despite Wales being strong favorites to win.

China's coach Marcello Lippi talks to the media ahead of his team’s first game against Wales. /VCG Photo

“I don't know what Welsh fans think about Chinese football. In my opinion, in the past one and a half years, China's national team and Under 23 team have progressed a lot. Of course we are still a long way off from South American and European teams, but we are getting closer,” said Lippi.

His counterpart Ryan Giggs will take charge of his first match as head coach of the Wales side in the four-nation friendly tournament, featuring the Czech Republic and Uruguay as the other two teams.

Ryan Giggs to take charge as the head coach of Wales for the first time. / VCG Photo‍

Both teams will be keen to win after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. China finished just shy of an automatic spot in Russia this summer in Asian qualification, while Wales finished third in their European group behind Serbia and the Republic of Ireland.

Uruguay star Luis Suarez arrives in China to play the China International Cup. /VCG Photo

Uruguay star Luis Suarez is one of the prime stars of the tournament as La Celeste is hoping to repeat their Copa America form in China. The winner will proceed straight to the final and the loser will play in a third-place play-off against the losing side in the Uruguay versus Czech Republic game.