体坛英语新闻：China team leader "satisfied" with World Cup qualifying draw

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese national football team leader Liu Dianqiu says he is satisfied with the World Cup Asian zone qualification draw after China is set to play Group A alongside with Syria, the Philippines, Maldives and Guam.

The top 40 teams in Asia will soon start their quest for a berth to the third round of Asia's qualifications for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, after the draw was held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur Wednsday evening.

"Personally, I'm satisfied with the draw," Liu said.

According to Liu, China has been preparing for round two of the Asian Qualifiers for a long time and will adjust their preparation on the basis of the draw.

Adding that China has competed with Syria several times and has developed a better understanding of the team, Liu said that China would study the strengths and weaknesses of both sides and improve its preparations accordingly.

Round two of the Asian Qualifiers will be held from September 5 to June 9. 40 teams will fight for 12 slots in round three, which includes the eight group winners and the four best runners-up from round two.