The Improbables · Nation to Glory
Take China to Glory
“sleeping-giant restarters”
The press pack calls China 1.4 billion people, one very stressed manager, and files them as sleeping-giant restarters. The bookmakers put them in the improbables at 1000/1 and drifting.
▶ Play as China
- The bookmakers
- The Improbables — 1000/1 and drifting
- The federation's target
- Compete with dignity — a point gets framed
- Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, a keeper 1.4 billion people scout nightly. At the back, Sun Jihai, but he overlaps twice. Running midfield, a metronome from the Dalian dynasty years. Up front, a striker the algorithm re-rates weekly.
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far China can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as China
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting