No shame in defeat

After the great expectations China's debut on soccer's most prestigious stage proved a disappointment. Tiny Costa Rica managed to all but shatter the dreams of hundreds of millions of fans.

And yet, China has nothing to be ashamed of. The team has embarked on a confrontation with reality. In the World Cup the demands made on teams are immense. More than a little luck is also a prerequisite. Winning, for a team at China's stage of soccer development is not all-important. What matters more is that lessons are learned about tactics, pace and power.

The side's best chance of a win has now gone and along with it a realistic chance of advancing beyond the group stage. And yet, now with the pressure off, perhaps the team can show that it has rightly earned its place to compete with the best in the world, even if that means losing gallantly.

There will be no better opportunity to do this than in China's next game, against mighty Brazil. Such a positive spin on what was a disappointing result will not, of course, suit everyone.

There will always be those who agree with the legendary former manager of Liverpool, Bill Shankly, who once commented: "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

For these fans there will always be 2006.

-- South China Morning Post, Hong Kong