China out, North Korea on top of the world!

It is as odd as it can get, and at the same time it isn't. When talking about football, China has had a very tough time fighting corruption (only in football... really?) and, its problems continue because they follow the world-wide culture of getting results as soon as possible without having a strong base of well-formed players. I thought that they had learnt from their failure to go to the last two World Cups, but they didn't. China has participated in just one World Cup... they are the most populated country! It is heart-breaking because I have chinese friends that play the sport with passion and commitment... would they have the same attitude if they were in their own country? I come from a country just like China, with loads of corruption everywhere, and could assure that it is really complicated to stop going with the flow... Also, footballers all around the world earn a lot more than they deserve, and with money comes ambition, which then becomes greed and immorality. The Chinese Association appointed the Spanish José Antonio Camacho to coach the team for three years regardless of their performance in the World Cup qualification, is a long-term approach the solution? Four more years for China to attempt to come back to the biggest football party on Earth.

The Unofficial Football World Champion yesterday was Japan (a title that is contested as the Boxing Championships: winning challenger is new champion). North Korea, being eliminated from the 2014 World Cup won at home and stopped the japanese 21-match undefeated streak. North Korea are now going to defend their title against Tajikistan, another eliminated team... It is probably the best time for teams that are not excellent, but that aspire to more, to challenge these not-so-skilled countries and give a glory (albeit unofficial) to their fans. Yes, I am shouting at you Mexico!

Lastly, I just want to point out that Lebanon could give a nice surprise if it wins their next match against the weak UAE going to the next round. We will know until March next year, though.