Asian Cup 2015: in-form China have eyes on pivotal clash with group rivals Saudi Arabia

IF China coach Alain Perrin needed any reminding that the Asian Cup was only a few days away, he got it at his team’s official welcome in Brisbane.

Official Asian Cup team welcome for China at the Sofitel Hotel in Brisbane. Coach Alain Perrin

IF China coach Alain Perrin needed any reminding that the Asian Cup was only a few days away, he got it on Tuesday at his team’s official competition welcome in Brisbane.

A host of youngsters from local football club New Farm United and an Aboriginal dancing group greeted Perrin and “Team Dragon” at their city hotel.

The Chinese pose for a few selfies.

Also among the interested onlookers were members of the Saudi Arabian camp, who arrived on Monday and are staying at the same hotel.

The two teams meet on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium in a Group B clash that plenty of Socceroos fans will be watching closely as the Australians could meet either side in the quarter-finals.

Perrin, whose coaching career has included stints with Portsmouth, Marseille and Lyon, hinted his team - too often an under-achiever at international level - was ready for whatever the Saudi Arabians had to offer and was confident of victory.

“The competition is very close now,” said the 58-year-old Frenchman, before adding a “yes” when asked if his team could beat the three-time Asian Cup winners this weekend.

China are in good form heading into the tournament, with their 4-1 thrashing of Oman in a weekend friendly in Sydney extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches.

In an earlier interview with FIFA.com, Perrin said his “initial target” was to taken China beyond the group stage of the tournament.

China coach Alain Perrin is welcomed by an Aboriginal dancing group.

“Then we will try to go further, based on the knockout stage rivals. Every match is important,” Perrin said.

“The Asian Cup features the continent’s best teams so all these teams are close rivals without clear-cut favourites. There won’t be easy games and the details will make the difference.

“We must feel strong playing against any team … we should minimise chances of making mistakes and showcase our potential.”

China coach Alain Perrin

Like Perrin, China captain Zheng Zhi was popular among the autograph hunters as he entered the hotel foyer.

Midfielder Zheng, 34, has made 81 senior appearances for his country and plies his trade at club level for Asian heavyweights Guangzhou Evergrande.

Zheng, who also had spells with Charlton Athletic and Celtic, was the 2013 AFC Asian player of the year.

At 34, he is by far the oldest player in the Chinese squad.

The next oldest is 28-year-old striker Gao Lin, who is also a teammate of Zheng at club level.

“We choose the players who are in good form,” Perrin said.

“We should field the best players who are qualified to represent the country.”