CHINA captain Zheng Zhi has reacted positively after his side was handed a tough World Cup qualifying draw but admitted rivals Australia are in a class apart from the rest.
China have been drawn in a "group of death" alongside 2006 qualifiers Australia, AFC Asian Cup champions Iraq and Asian Games gold medalists Qatar.
Former Shandong Luneng midfielder Zheng, who currently plays for English Championship side Charlton Athletic, is though confident his side can progress from the group.
"Australia are at a different level than the other three sides and China, Iraq and Qatar are at the same level," said Zheng.
"If we are fully prepared, we will be able to deal with Iraq even though they are the newly crowned Asian Champions.
"I have more confidence we can beat Qatar because we know how to deal with them.
"But overall, the most important thing for us all is that we have to be confident."
China made their first finals in 2002 but failed to advance past the second round group stage in qualifying for last year's tournament in Germany.
They must claim a top two finish in Group D to advance to the next stage of qualifying where 10 teams will be split into two groups, with the winners and runners-up in each group securing places in South Africa.
The third-placed team in each group will go head-to-head for the right to face the winners of the Oceania qualifying in a play-off for a World Cup finals place.
Coach Vladimir Petrovic, who will work alongside China Olympic football coach and Serbian compatriot Ratomir Dujkovic for the campaign which kicks off in February, is also upbeat over China's chances.
"I am a bit disappointed with the draw, but we are not completely down-hearted," Petrovic said.
"We have to face it and fight for qualification.
"Being in the group of death doesn't necessarily mean there is no hope. Those who can survive longer can qualify.
"Our focus will be on defence. The teams that make the least mistakes are more likely to win."
Former Shandong Luneng midfielder Zheng, who currently plays for English Championship side Charlton Athletic, is though confident his side can progress from the group.
"Australia are at a different level than the other three sides and China, Iraq and Qatar are at the same level," said Zheng.
"If we are fully prepared, we will be able to deal with Iraq even though they are the newly crowned Asian Champions.
"I have more confidence we can beat Qatar because we know how to deal with them.
"But overall, the most important thing for us all is that we have to be confident."
China made their first finals in 2002 but failed to advance past the second round group stage in qualifying for last year's tournament in Germany.
They must claim a top two finish in Group D to advance to the next stage of qualifying where 10 teams will be split into two groups, with the winners and runners-up in each group securing places in South Africa.
The third-placed team in each group will go head-to-head for the right to face the winners of the Oceania qualifying in a play-off for a World Cup finals place.
Coach Vladimir Petrovic, who will work alongside China Olympic football coach and Serbian compatriot Ratomir Dujkovic for the campaign which kicks off in February, is also upbeat over China's chances.
"I am a bit disappointed with the draw, but we are not completely down-hearted," Petrovic said.
"We have to face it and fight for qualification.
"Being in the group of death doesn't necessarily mean there is no hope. Those who can survive longer can qualify.
"Our focus will be on defence. The teams that make the least mistakes are more likely to win."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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