China at the 2002 World Cup: Bora Milutinovic and China’s Only World Cup

In 2002, in Japan and South Korea, China achieved a historic success – qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history. This achievement, led by the experienced coach Bora Milutinović, marked the culmination of a decade of effort, but also the beginning of the disappointments that followed.

Road to the World Cup – Qualifiers

The Chinese national team finished the 2002 World Cup qualifiers with an impressive record – 12 wins, and only one draw and one loss. This result was enough to secure direct qualification, without the need for additional playoff matches. Players such as Hao Haidong, Li Tie, and Qu Bo dominated the qualifiers and became national heroes. Head coach Velibor “Bora” Milutinović, known for participating in World Cups with five different national teams, earned legendary status in China, where he was nicknamed “Milu.”

Bora Milutinovic – The Man Who Knows How to Reach the World Cup

Bora Milutinović, often called “Milu” in China, is one of the most important foreign figures in the history of Chinese football. His appointment as head coach of China’s national team was no accident. He was part of a broader Chinese strategy to position itself as a serious contender on the global football stage.

How Did Bora Milutinovic Come to China?

After successful stints with Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, and Nigeria, Milutinović gained a reputation as a coach who knows how to lead national teams to the World Cup. Facing challenges in qualification, the Chinese Football Association decided to hire Milutinović to leverage his expertise and experience. His appointment in 2000 was part of China’s wider strategy to improve its football system and achieve historic success.

Milutinović was welcomed in China as a true hero. His approach, dedication, and ability to motivate players earned him deep respect from Chinese fans and the media. His name became synonymous with success and professionalism in Chinese football. Chinese media often portrayed him as a key factor in China’s historic qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

2002 World Cup: First Steps on the World Stage

At the World Cup, China was in Group C alongside Brazil, Turkey, and Costa Rica. Although they hoped to score at least once, China lost all their matches without scoring a goal – 2:0 against Costa Rica, 4:0 against Brazil, and 3:0 against Turkey. The total goal difference was 0:9, clearly highlighting the gap in quality between China and the world’s football powerhouses.

Há exatos 22 anos (08/06/2002):

O Brasil vencia a China por 4-0 na segunda rodada da fase de grupos da Copa do Mundo de 2002.

Nostálgico! pic.twitter.com/pYH6pcNX81

— Futebol Nostálgico! (@futnostalgico) June 8, 2024

Although the results were disappointing, participation in the World Cup had a huge impact on Chinese football. The national team became a symbol of hope and pride, and football gained new popularity among young people.

Consequences and Investments: The Rise and Fall of Chinese Football

After the World Cup, China invested significant resources in football development. Numerous football academies were opened, such as the Evergrande Football School, aiming to create a new generation of talented players. However, problems began to emerge. Corruption, political influence, and a lack of genuine passion for football led to stagnation. Clubs like Guangzhou Evergrande, once dominant, faced financial problems and declining performance. The lotus-shaped stadium, a symbol of the club’s ambitions, remained unfinished and temporarily abandoned due to the financial crisis.

Photos reveal Zaha Hadid Architects stadium nearing completion in Guangzhou: https://t.co/SP4QR9fZTw pic.twitter.com/ON3QzY01j2

— Dezeen (@dezeen) March 29, 2025

Moreover, corruption scandals, such as the case of former coach Li Tie, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery, further undermined trust in the system. These factors contributed to China failing to qualify for any World Cup after 2002.

China Still Dreams of the World Cup

The era of astronomical spending in Chinese football came to an end. In June 2017, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) introduced a 100% tax on foreign player transfers valued at more than 45 million yuan, as well as on domestic transfers above 20 million yuan. This tax was aimed at financing youth football development instead of expensive transfers.

The Chinese World Cup dream is not extinguished but has become more distant. Although investments in infrastructure and young talent continue, real progress is lacking. Football remains popular in China, but it lacks the depth and authenticity needed to achieve success on the world stage. China stepped onto the World Cup stage in 2002 but has since retreated into the shadows, waiting for another moment to shine again.

Bora’s Influence on Chinese Football

After the World Cup, Bora Milutinović coached Honduras, Jamaica, and Iraq. From 2014, he returned to Chinese football as an advisor, supporting the development of young talents. His experience and expertise were invaluable in the process of modernizing and professionalizing Chinese football.

Although Milutinović achieved historic success with China, subsequent periods did not bring similar results. After his departure as coach, China faced challenges in qualification, including lack of continuity in the coaching team, strategy changes, and insufficient investment in youth development. These factors contributed to China failing to qualify for World Cups after 2002.