Phnom Penh: China PR know the score - a point for them in Saturday's AFC U-19 Championship 2018 Group G qualifier against Myanmar will earn them a slot in next year's Finals in Indonesia.
The only problem though is that Saturday's opponents Myanmar are also in the running and the final matchday promises sizzling action at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.
After a nervy start where China were fortunate to score late into time added on to beat Cambodia 1-0 on Matchday One, head coach Jia Xiuquan's side responded with a 6-0 win over the Philippines on Thursday.
It was the result Jia had demanded from his players and he will expect the same when China play Myanmar on Saturday.
"The reaction from the players was exactly what I wanted after the match against Cambodia. Our aim is to seal qualification and we have to complete the job," said Jia after the win over the Philippines.
He is aware that a wounded Myanmar will be dangerous opposition, especially after their collapse against Cambodia.
Coach Chit Naing must have thought the three points were in the bag after Myanmar raced to a 2-0 lead against Cambodia on Thursday.
That, however, turned into a nightmare at the end of 90 minutes as the hosts struck two late goals to register a remarkable 3-2 win.
"Credit to Cambodia as they showed tremendous resilience to come back from 2-0 down. We, however, still have a chance to seal top spot and the players will recover from this disappointment and focus on beating China," said Chit Naing.
Cambodia's comeback sparked jubilant celebrations on the pitch and in the stands and coach Inoue Kazunori will only be expecting three points against a Philippines side who lost 6-0 to both Myanmar and China.
"The players showed tremendous resilience to win against Myanmar and they will be fired up for the Philippines," said Kazunori.
The 10 group winners will gain automatic qualification to the Finals while the best five second-placed teams will also advance. Indonesia qualify automatically as hosts.
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com