China's quest for glory ends in tears as Lippi bows out with a whimper

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It has only been four days, but the optimism of that memorable night when China mounted a stellar comeback to notch their first knock-out victory in a major tournament in 15 years is long gone. Marcello Lippi's team is out of Asian Cup, ruthlessly brushed aside 3-0 by Asia's top-ranked Iran in that feeble, fallible way that so many China teams have gone in the past.

For Sardar Azmoun it was a personal triumph with the man-of-the-match performance, who contributed two of Iran's goals. The cold-blooded Rubin Kazan striker announced his arrival on the world stage three years ago when he showcased his enviable ability to carry the ball past several opponents at speed, with stunning Champions League solo goals against illustrious European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid coming to the fore.

This time, the ever-improving Azmoun tormented China's leaky backline with his mesmerizing runs, coruscating dribbles and a brilliant blend of brute force and beauty. The admiring supporters at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, titillated by his sheer talent and dazzling creativity, duly greeted the 24-year-old with a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 86th minute.

Iran's Sardar Azmoun showed all sorts of trickery and speed to terrorize China's backline during their Asian Cup quarter-final clash at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, January 24, 2019. /VCG Photo

That, however, tells only part of the story from the night when China was architects of their own downfall. Before the game, Lippi admitted they would need to have luck on their side if they are to overhaul mighty Iran. Unfortunately, in such an excruciating and cruel manner, reality deals a lethal blow. No side at this level can defend this generously and expect to get away with it. Not, at least, when the opposition has Azmoun among its attacking line.

China, who have never beaten Iran in regulation time at the Asian Cup, started the game brightly, orchestrating a thrilling counter-attack that finished with Hao Junmin galloping clear for the game's outstanding chance. But the Shandong Luneng midfielder failed to hit a clean shot, and Iranian keeper Alireza Berinvand ultimately smothered the attempt after a goalmouth scramble.

CGTN Infographic courtesy of Li Yueyun

The mood might have been entirely different if Hao scored and a better side than China might have taken advantage in this slightly dishevelled opening period, but Feng Xiaoting's inexplicable error dramatically changed the complexion of the game. The Guangzhou Evergrande veteran chose a bad night to play below his usual standards and, in the process, China found themselves behind after the quarter-hour mark.

The hapless Feng failed to deal with a simple long ball and was uncharacteristically dispossessed by Azmoun, allowing him to race clear and tee up the unmarked Mehdi Teremi for a calm finish.

China's Feng Xiaoting (R) had a game to forget against Iran in the Asian Cup quarter-final clash at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, January 24, 2019. /VCG Photo

China was shell-shocked after this early setback and Azmoun had frequently unsettled their defense, with Berinvand scarcely troubled in Iran's goal. To make matters worse, China's midfielder Wu Xi limped off in the 25th minute and had to be replaced by Zhao Xuri. Chinese fans howled with anguish and Lippi responded by hauling off Feng, who looked out of sorts after his howler, and throwing on Xiao Zhi to inject fresh impetus into the front-line.

Yet, barely 180 seconds after Lippi's signature tactical switch, Iran doubled their advantage with the Italian's players continuing to undermine themselves with costly individual errors. Iran's second goal was almost identical to their first one, as Azmoun again stole the ball off a careless Chinese defender, this time in the shape of Liu Yiming who misjudged the flight of a long ball, before rounding Chinese keeper Yan Junling to clinch his fourth of the tournament.

Too often, a player in red would rush or miscue a clearance, with their confidence utterly shattered throughout the latter stages of the game. And China's nightmare finally came to an end after Iran pounced on Shi Ke's poor touch on the halfway line to add further gloss to the scoreline in the injury-time.

Zheng Zhi waved to Chinese supporters after the full-time whistle after the Asian Cup quarter-final between China and Iran at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, January 24, 2019. /VCG Photo

China's 38-year-old skipper Zheng Zhi, whose age is starting to catch up with him despite producing a last gasp goal-line clearance to stop Azmoun's powerful header in the first half, looked inconsolable and was reduced to tears during his post-match interview. He has put each and every ounce of effort into this Asian Cup campaign - all to no avail when China's defensive line made so many decisive mistakes, each leading to a goal, at key points of this crucial tie.

Zheng knows only too well that he won't get another shot at a major tournament with China and he has to come to terms with the sad ending to his long and illustrious career. So does Lippi.

It was soccer's worst-kept secret that the 70-year-old World Cup winning coach was on his way out once the formalities of China's Asian Cup campaign in the UAE were complete.

Marcello Lippi's reign as China coach ended with a whimper. /VCG Photo

As Lippi deserves credit for masterminding China's two heroic fightbacks with his half-time tactical masterstroke, he will certainly carry the can for this collapse. The former Juventus and Inter boss will always wonder what might have happened if his defenders had not turned this night into their own personal ordeal. Or, if he had not accepted the offer to take charge of China, putting his flawless reputation at risk.

The septuagenarian will now bow out with more than a tinge of regret and a large dose of relief, but China's capacity for submission and capitulation has now transcended legions of different coaches, players and Football Association presidents over the past few decades.

What will it take to awaken the sleeping giants? Not even the soccer world's biggest optimists would come up with an answer.