Captain Zhang Linpeng has resigned from China’s national team after a disappointing draw in the World Cup qualifiers in Singapore
The 34-year-old central defender described the 2:2 draw after leading 2:0 on Thursday as a “disgrace” and drew a line under frustration. “As captain, I couldn’t fulfill my role of helping the team and left the fans disappointed,” said Zhang. “After careful consideration, I believe it is time to end my national career.” The Chinese national team “can’t even beat Singapore at the moment. Personally, I find that unbearable.”
Singapore is only ranked 156th in the FIFA world rankings, followed by countries such as Guyana, Afghanistan and New Caledonia. China is still in 88th place, but has recently dropped nine places. The best position in the ranking was a long time ago. In 1998, the People’s Republic was in 37th place for the first time.
For former second division coach Branko Ivankovic, it was also a false start as the new Chinese national coach. The former Hannover coach had taken over from Aleksandar Jankovic, with whom China failed to reach the group stage at the Asian Cup in January.
Only third place in the qualifying group
After three games, the Chinese are currently only in third place in qualifying group C behind South Korea and Thailand. They will have the chance to make amends next Tuesday. Singapore will then have to play in Tianjin, China.
The next World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and the USA in 2026.
