LONDON -- After a successful Olympic summer in which their athletes brought home 40 gold medals, Chinese sports fans last week had to digest an evening of humiliation when the national soccer team lost 7-0 to Japan in 2026 World Cup qualification. Despite ambitions of one day winning the trophy, just making a second-ever appearance at the tournament could remain elusive.
Sports
China's 7-0 soccer humiliation against Japan reflects deep problems
Pandemic, mismanagement and corruption have hurt World Cup ambitions
China fans in the stands before the match in Saitama, Japan on Sept. 5. © Reuters
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