China-Saudi kicks off Asian Cup qualifiers

With Asia's top-ranked trio of Japan, South Korea and Australia already sure of a place in the continental tournament, to be hosted down under, two of the continent's struggling giants will be trying to join them.

"It's a huge coincidence that both managers for a Saudi Arabia-China match are Spanish, but that's the way it goes," said Lopez Caro, who succeeded Frank Rijkaard as Saudi Arabia coach in January. "It proves that world football has no boundaries. It is just important that Saudi Arabia get the campaign off to a good start at home."

Saudi Arabia qualified for four World Cups from 1994 to 2006 but has since failed in qualification twice. With the country also dumped out of the 2011 Asian Cup and 2013 Gulf Cup at the first round, the team is in urgent need of improved fortunes.

For China, these qualifiers are a chance to create some positive headlines. The departures of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka from Shanghai Shenhua have damaged the image of Chinese football already this year. A 1-0 friendly defeat against a below-strength Oman in Muscat on January 30 made matters worse. A good result in Saudi Arabia would be a much-needed boost for fans at home and Camacho even took the team to Spain in January to prepare.

"We have progressed, but people have to realize we are starting from scratch and we have to take it step by step," Camacho told Chinese media from the training camp. "It is a different mentality to Spain or Europe, but they are changing and it is obvious that China is an engine that doesn't stop and you can see every step they make."

Group C also provides a chance for China to gain some revenge on Iraq. Two defeats to the west Asian team in 2011 put paid to Camacho's hopes of a place in the final round of qualification for the 2014 World Cup. Iraq is expected to take all three points off expected Group C whipping boys Indonesia.