After the disappointing draw in Kunming, China now have a four-month break before qualifying resumes next March. Lippi improved the PRC's play notably on Tuesday, but the Italian legend has much more to do during the break.

China will host South Korea in their 2017 opener on March 23rd. Then they will travel to Iran for a tough test before facing their third opponents, Syria. Lippi's men have their final home game against Uzbekistan, before leaving for Qatar for their final match.

A more realistic goal now is to finish in 3rd place in Group A which would get them into a play-off. China are now 7 points behind 3rd placed Uzbekistan. To stay in the competition, they really need a win against South Korea in March.