For China it's performances like this that have clouded their attempt to transition into Asian title hopefuls. Marcello Lippi's side failed to impress as they were soundly beaten by Qatar at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Friday night.
China have two warm-up games in September as Lippi looks to nail down his starting line-up before the 2019 Asian Cup kicks off less than 200 days away, but judging by his players' horror show in Doha, the former Italian manager will have a selection headache ahead of China's next friendly against Bahrain on Monday.
The 1-0 final scoreline actually flattered China as they were on the back foot for the vast majority of the game while an unfortunate but irrepressible Qatar twice rattled the team.
A year ago, China secured a 2-1 win over Qatar in their failed bid to earn a play-off place for the World Cup in Russia. This time around however, China were comprehensively out-classed by Qatar right from the start.
Qatar players celebrate after scoring a goal against China during the international friendly in Doha on September 7. /VCG Photo
There had previously been constant indecisiveness in the China's defense, and a failure to retain possession in the midfield let to them having no answer to Almoez Ali's drive and pace. The Qatari striker was close to getting his name on the scoresheet in the first quarter but was denied by the crossbar.
Qatar ultimately make the breakthrough in the first 25 minutes when Almoez poked the ball home from close range after a smart pass from Pedro Correia.
In the second half, Lippi abandon his 3-5-2 formation and swithced to 4-3-3, bringing on Li Xuepeng, Zhao Xuri and Yang Xu for Yu Hai, Yu Yang and Zhang Xizhe. The changes proved futile. China still struggled to impose themselves in the game while Qatar continued their swashbuckling attacking.
Both Almoez and Abdelaziz Hatim missed glorious chances to double the lead, with the latter hitting the post with a crispy shot inside the area. Akram Afif was next to venture forward, and he got to the byline before crossing for Almoez to fire over.
Marcello Lippi laments China's sorry display after their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Qatar. /VCG Photo
It was now a damage limitation exercise for China and in the end the final whistle just couldn’t come quick enough.
"Fortunately, we still have time to improve, " said an ashen-faced Lippi after the game.
The Italian veteran will have hell of a lot of work to do.