Marcello Lippi's side failed to win a single in their two warm-up matches for 2019 Asian Cup in western Asia. Following a 1-0 loss to Qatar in Doha on September 7, China played a goalless draw 0-0 with Bahrain on Monday night at National Stadium in Riffa.
Both two teams played for the upcoming competitions, including the Asian Cup which will take place in January 2019 in the UAE. Bahrain had earlier faced the Philippines and ended in a 1-1 while China suffered a defeat to the host Qatar.
In the first half, both teams had only a few chances to open the scoring. China created dangers by Wu Lei's hit on the goalpost and Wu Xi's corner kick. In the 60th and 62nd minute, Wu Lei missed two consecutive chances by hitting on the crossbar.
In the 72nd minute, Wu Lei's call for a penalty fell on deaf ears after appearing to be taken down in the area.
Bahrain's goalkeeper (2nd, R) makes a save during the match. /VCG Photo
Team China continued their unbeaten record against Bahrain in six games. However, China's national football team got no victories since a win at 1994 Asian Games.
After the match, Coach Marcello Lippi admitted that "China was not in the mood in the first half. After an adjustment in breaking time, the situation changed, while still lack of luck." Lippi said that he has to rotate the lineup to find the best players. "It takes some time for those players to adjust and get along with each other."
For Marcello Lippi and his team, 2019 Asian Cup will be the most important tournament. If the team can advance from the group stage, they will probably meet with Bahrain or some other western Asia teams in the knock-out stage. Bahrain will still have two more lined up for next month, first against Syria and then to meet Palestine.
At 2019 Asian Cup, China will be in Group C together with South Korea, Kyrgyz Republic and the Philippines.