World Cup newcomers China lost all three matches of their campaign, and failed to score a single goal.
What do you think of their efforts?
This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appear below.
China's appearance in the World Cup was a complete joke. They showed absolutely no skill, and no competitive spirit. The Chinese team only embarrassed themselves.
It's a relief that I will not have to see the ridiculous Chinese team in future World Cups since the only teams that will be going will be Korea and Japan, and maybe a Middle Eastern country. Goodbye China... for a long time. Please stop playing soccer, just stick to your best sport... ping-pong
Tommy , Korea
China had poor skills and a poor spirit, but still showed some possibility of progressing further. Korea and Japan are far beyond China's reach, they really need to practice more.
This is the first time China ever had chance to go to the main event. I personally don't think there will be another in the future... unless Korea or Japan hosts the World Cup again.
Marc, the Netherlands
I dont think we (China) should participate in future World Cups. It is a disgrace to our country.
Why don't we (China, Japan and Korea) form a soccer league? By having games between each other, we could step up to a higher level and also boost the intra-leagues (K, J, C leagues). We would all benefit from that and would get better results in the next World Cup at Germany in 2006. Then conspiracy won't ruin the spirit of the World Cup again.
I am not that optimistic about the near future of Chinese football. Players are bad in both skills and professional attitude. I don't think China can qualify for the World Cup in the coming 12 years. However, no doubt Chinese football is improving step by step. It will only take time for China to become a decent team, though it may take us another 50 years of waiting.
Allen Deng, Canada/China
It was a sort of lucky for the Chinese team to qualify for the 2002 World Cup but I can see the players' passion and support - that was awesome, even though the Chinese team got no goals.
Sun Jung, Korea/USA
China have no future if they keep on playing at the level they are playing at. They need a better coach that can guide them to progress further in the World Cup. The fact that China scored no goals and conceded nine shows they are a young, inexperienced and naive side.
The Chinese team only qualified for the World Cup because Korea and Japan got automatic qualifications. They showed how bad a team can play soccer. Look at Korea and how they play well in the World Cup. I don't understand why people from Hong Kong and Malaysia put down Korea's success. Maybe jealousy?
As a Chinese national, I am extremely shamed by the performances of our players. They simply had no confident and were scared to compete with their rivals. They should be brave and aggressive, even if they play against strong teams like Brazil. Please do not pretend to be football stars again!
Amen, New Zealand
China have the potential to improve greatly if they can get their confidence sorted out. They were intimidated in every game of this World Cup, though as newcomers this would be expected, but next time we will be stronger. If we had the spirit of the Irish, we would go far!
Jennifer, China living in England
The Chinese keeper is one of the best in this competition - if only they had an outfield team worthy of him...
China showed how difficult the first time in the World Cup Finals can be. However, I think they would improve if they could qualify for the World Cup 2006. It will be very hard for China to compete with its strong rivals, Korea and Japan.
Brett Munslow, UK
It's aspiring to see the USA get into the quarter final considering its "accomplishment" in the previous World Cup. With hard work and determination, China can do the same in Germany 2006!
Jou Jou, Hong Kong
Three games: scored zero, conceded nine. Need I say more? Despite being under the stewardship of the experienced Milutinovic, he clearly could not impart his ideas into this naive side.
However, there is promise for the future. The Chinese displayed flashes of inspiration in the second half against the Brazilians. With much needed experience gained in Korea, hopefully this young side can build on this tournament in time for Germany 2006.
Bobby Seagull, England
I am like so many other Chinese people, used to take the Summer Olympics more seriously than any other sport event. The World Cup has surely attracted more public attention to this game. Now it has got our attention I can't see why we can't crack it one day, though it may take us some time!
China will struggle to make the next World Cup as there are only three places for AFC participants in the Finals. Korea and Japan will dominate, leaving one space, which I doubt will be China
It took us 48 years to win a game in the World Cup - you just need a bit of more confidence and experience! I believe your team will get better and better!
Chaeran Kwon, Korea
Considering it was the first time China played at the World Cup, the results cannot be such a big surprise. But I'm sure China can reach Germany 2006 and prove to be really strong.
China suffer from an inferiority complex. They lack self confidence, speed and aggressiveness. In order to qualify for the second round in 2006, our team needs to work on both their mental and physical strength.
Mei, Hong Kong
China - don't forget you are very new to this game. Now the lesson is over, please put yourself together and make some real efforts - hopefully we can see you at the cup next time.
Daniel Li, Canada
Our goalie and defence did a tremendous job against Turkey. However, we need young, feisty strikers in the 2006 World Cup.
Jou Jou,Hong Kong
After the poor performance (three successive thrashings and failure to score a single goal), China deserve a new coach - a new coach who could instil more passion and tactical acumen into their game.
It is a shame to see Bora step down as coach. Although China failed to score a goal or get a point in this competition, Chinese football fans should thank him for what he has done for Chinese football. Chinese football now has a solid base to work from and hopefully the next coach can build on what he has set up.
Alan Choi, Hong Kong
I was amazed by the doggedly fighting spirit of the China team against Turkey. Despite ending up with no goals and no points, they have gained valuable experience and were improving game by game.
Vince, Hong Kong
I was very disappointed with the performance of the Chinese team in the match with the Turkish. It was their worst game in the World Cup.
Anthony Chow, Hong Kong
With a professional football league that is only eight years old and only one team member who plays abroad, qualifying for the 2002 World Cup finals has been no small accomplishment. China can look forward to Germany 2006 with great optimism.
China showed great courage and determination and never gave up against Brazil. China have made great strides in the last few years and the Chinese people should be very proud of their national team.
Brazil showed that they were a completely different calibre of play to China. Nonetheless, China put up a good fight and almost got a consolation goal even when they were down 4-0, with no chance of doing anything about it.
Alan Choi, Hong Kong
This learning experience is important for future development. I expect there will be more pleasant surprise in Germany 2006!
China - by scoring once against Turkey, you have already won the World Cup in our hearts!
Jou Jou, Hong Kong
China learnt a lot from the Brazil game and the players kept their heads up throughout, despite the defeat.
The real success for China in this World Cup has been the way in which the team has united the country. Some 26,000 people gathered in Hong Kong Stadium to watch the game. It is great that Hong Kong people are totally behind their country's team.
Alex, Hong Kong
The most important thing is that the Chinese lads showed no fear facing the mighty Brazilians. They didn't fall to pieces, and gave their best efforts. Now China really have to find a couple of top strikers. I'm sure if they put their minds to it, they may come up with 10 Michael Owens. It shouldn't be that difficult choosing from 1.3 billion people!
China did really well considering that this was their first time on the international scene. When they next come back, they'll do better.
Sita Lin, Australia
China need to show more aggression and confidence in their play. They had many breaks against Brazil, but did not have the speed and confidence to take the winning shot. The Brazilians were clearly the stronger side today, but the Chinese have the potential to improve. We should give them the credit they deserve and hope they will learn from the experience.
Chau L Lee, Singapore
Although outclassed by the Brazilians, the Chinese shrugged off their loss against Costa Rica to play some better football this time. They've got a taste of world-class football and the game against Turkey could be a chance for them to apply what they've learned from the Brazilians.
If effort equalled goals China would have thrashed Brazil by 20 to nil but sadly it doesn't. Don't be disheartened China, you've got a lot of promise.
In the game against Brazil, China played with guts and never gave up. They should be proud of their performance, and the soccer world should take note that in one more generation another new soccer "superpower" will be on the world stage. They enjoyed their football, and provided some hairy moments for Brazil. Well done!
Christopher Laird, Japan
The Brazilian team showed too much class for the Chinese team. The 4-0 score is a good reflection of where China soccer is at. The fans are putting too much unrealistic pressure on the side, who only managed to qualify after beating sub-average teams in the Asian qualifiers.