Guangzhou, Feb 13: A lethargic Brazil drew 0-0 with China on Wednesday in a friendly international which they could easily have lost had the home side possessed sharper strikers. A draw on Wednesday (February 12/) was a fine result for a Chinese team thrashed 4-0 by the Brazilians in the World Cup last year and a great start for Dutchman Arie Haan, the new coach of a team which came back from those finals without scoring a goal or winning a point. Three times Sun Jihai, at the heart of nearly all China's best moves, chipped in low crosses that eluded the tall Brazilian centre backs only to see his strikers fail to trouble goalkeeper Dida when they should have scored. But there were few signs of the promises Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira made of a world champion performance as his side strolled through the first half and rarely penetrated the blanket Chinese defence. He blamed jet-lag. Twice Sun, playing on the left side of midfield rather than the right wing back role he occupies for his English premier league side Manchester City, chipped in beautiful crosses.

The first, in the 34th minute, was headed narrowly wide by Xu Yunlong and six minutes later Li Yi did the same when it had seemed easier to score.


Seven minutes from the end, Sun set up another splendid chance, this time for Li Jinyu, who screwed a volley from 10 yards out towards the corner flag when he had plenty of time to control the ball and fire past the static Dida.


The Brazilians had few clearcut chances as Haan, a former Dutch international, made sure his men were all behind the ball whenever they lost possession.


Perhaps the best chance fell to Luisao six minutes from the end as his side made a real effort to ensure they did not leave the pitch without scoring, a rare event in Brazilian football.


The Cruzeiro defender rose high above everybody else at the far post only to direct a soft header into goalkeeper Liu Yunfei's hands.


Bureau Report