China lose to Thailand 1-0 at China Cup opener

NANNING, CHINA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Fabio Cannavaro gave an ominous debut as head coach of CHINESE men's soccer national team as his side lost to Thailand 1-0 at the opening match of CHINA Cup on Thursday.

Chanathip Songkrasin, dubbed as Thailand's Messi, scored the winner at the 33rd minute with a deadly drive which gave CHINA's goalkeeper Yan Junling no chance to save.

At the 71st minute, Yan made an wonderful save as he parried a close-range shot.

CHINA came close to scoring several times, only to find inspired Thailand goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen unbeatable.

Tedsungnoen saved a dangerous shot by CHINESE striker Wei Shihao at 88th minute -- CHINA's last effort to equalise.

Cannavaro, who serves as head coach of CHINA's top flight club Guangzhou Evergrande, was appointed as head coach of CHINA last friday amid controversy.

The 46-year-old Italian said on Wednesday that after the CHINA Cup he will negotiate with CHINESE soccer decision-makers before deciding his future with the CHINESE national team.

CHINA developed an intriguing rivalry with Thailand since they were humiliated 5-1 by the Thais in June 2013 in a friendly at home -- a loss that still rankles now.