China

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 55th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Won Asia "Group 2" (6-1-1; 13 GF, 2 GA)

2001 Overall Record: 15-2-5

World Cup final appearances: 1 - 2002

Overall Record in WC: First appearance

Record vs. U.S.: 1-4-2; 6 GF, 13 GA

Most Recent Match vs. U.S.: U.S. 2, China 1 in Oakland, Calif.; January 27, 2001 (McBride, Own Goal; Qu Bo)

Manager: Bora Milutinovic (SER)

Key Players: Fan Zhiyi (D, Dundee), Li Weifeng (D, Shenzhan Pingan)

Fast Facts: The world's most populous country, China is making its first appearance in a World Cup. ... One of four rookie nations in the 2002 tournament (Ecuador, Senegal and Slovenia are the others). ... Were led into the tournament by former U.S. head coach Bora Milutinovic, the only man to coach four different World Cup teams into the second round. ... Have finished third at the Asian Cup championship three times (1984, 1988, & 2000).