China is not the strongest team in its group and will try its best to qualify for the knock-out stage, said team spokesman Dong Hua.

"China is not the strongest, but also not the weakest team in the group," said Dong after Chinese national soccer team arrived in Kuala Lumpur.

"Iran is a very strong team, and so is Uzbekistan. Malaysia is the co-host," he said.

Apart from midfielder Shao Jiayi who caught a cold the day before, the team is prepared for the matches ahead, he noted.

Chinese players arrived at Kuala Lumpur airport at around 4:30 in the afternoon, including captain Zheng Zhi, Sun Jihai of English club Manchester City.

China will play against Malaysia in its opening match on July 10.

(China Daily via Reuters July 6)