Marcello Lippi starts mission almost-impossible on Tuesday as he bids to take China to the 2018 World Cup.Lippi, who guided Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, was appointed in October to try and resuscitate Chinas floundering qualification campaign. He kicks off against Qatar in the south-western city Kunming.China, which has qualified only once for a World Cup, has just one point from the first four games in Group A of third-round Asian qualifying, making victory against Qatar vital.We will focus on first dealing with the Qataris and then Korea Republic, Lippi was quoted as saying on the Asian Football Confederations website. Our chief aim is World Cup qualification. I hope we can achieve a miracle.Lippi has experience in China. From 2012 to 2014, he led Guangzhou Evergrande to three Chinese Super League titles as well as the Asian Champions League crown in 2013. In a warm-up game against a lower-league Chinese team last week, Lippi selected five players from his former club, indicating a strong reliance on the team which picked up a sixth successive domestic championship in October.These are the players who have spent years training and playing together so they have telegraphic understanding with each other, the former Juventus coach said. This is the key for us to play well against Qatar.The 68 year-old Lippis contract is not just about the World Cup, but helping the sport thrive in China in the longer term.Even if we fail to make it, we should make sure that the team makes good progress in the process and build for the future, he said. Then we will switch our focus to the next Asian Cup.Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, has also started poorly with three points from the first four games. A 2-1 win over 2018 host Russia in a friendly last week will boost confidence for the Qataris.With only the top two from both six-team groups automatically progressing to Russia 2018, Japan is third in Group B, heightening the importance of a win against group leader Saudi Arabia.Japan has appeared at the past five World Cups but some unconvincing performances under coach Vahid Halilhodzic have jeopardized a continuation of that streak.You can look at the Saudi game in two ways, Japan defender Tomoaki Makino said after a warm-up 4-0 win against Oman on Friday. You can look at it as us having our back against the wall, or see it as an opportunity to turn things around.If Saudi Arabia does slip up in Japan, Australia could go top of Group B with a win over Thailand in Bangkok. Thailand, which has lost all four games so far, had planned to hold the game in a neutral venue due to national mourning following the death last month of long-serving monarch King Bhumibol.However the government has allowed the game to be played at home, and initial plans to ban chanting and overt celebrations has also been relaxed.Australia coach Ange Postecoglou omitted talisman Tim Cahill from the squad but remains hopeful of extending the streak of five wins against Thailand.If we can get three points in this game, with the program we have next year with three home games and the Iraq game in neutral territory, well be in pretty good shape, Postecoglou said.Iran, yet to concede a goal and top of Group A with 10 points, takes on Syria in Malaysia due to the ongoing war in Syria, while South Korea hosts second-placed Uzbekistan.South Korea coach Uli Stielike is also under pressure with the team -- aiming for a ninth successive World Cup appearance -- in third spot, three points behind Iran.Nike React Ireland . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. Nike React Shoes Online Ireland . Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced Wednesday that the team would assign Swedish forward Elias Lindholm to his nations team for the upcoming tournament. http://www.cheapnikereactireland.com/ . 9. Price, heading to the 2014 Olympics for Canada, was named the First Star after posting wins in three starts with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .971 save percentage. Cheap Nike React Ireland . Booth picked up 65 caps after making her national team debut in 2002 at the age of 17. She most recently played for Sky Blue FC of the National Womens Soccer League. "It just felt like it was my time to move on," she said in a phone interview from her hometown of Burlington, Ont. Nike React For Sale Ireland . PETERSBURG, Fla.Lothar Matthaus has criticised Pep Guardiola for deciding to leave Bayern Munich - even though he does not like his methods.The former Barcelona coach will leave Bayern to take over at Manchester City this summer, bringing to end his three-year stay in the Bundesliga. Matthaus, who played more than 300 games for Bayern over two spells, believes Guardiola is one of the best coaches on the planet but is no fan of Guardiolas management style and thinks he should have shown more loyalty to the Bundesliga champions. Perhaps he wanted a new challenge, Matthaus told Sky Sports. Of course I can understand Pep - his salary must be insane. And he wants to experience something new - despite the fact that he already had the best team in Europe. Peps transfer policy What can Manchester City expect? Bayern fulfilled every wish, no matter what Guardiola wanted: the players, the coaches and even the doctors.He caused much disturbance off the field. But he is one of the best coaches on the planet. With the amount of money in circulation, I can understand Pep.I am one of his critics, but I would have loved to see him in Munich for a longer time. He was always interesting and entertaining for the journalists. He improved the team in many areas, but on the other hand he caused confusion, what many people didnt understand, added Matthaus, who was capped a record 150 times by Germany. Manuel Pellegrini is stepping down at the end of his original contract And Matthaus has warned Guardiolas style of play and continual desire to play players out of position will not endear him to everyone at the Etihad.ddddddddddddI dont like his system, it changes during the game. He uses players in different positions, even if they could play better with their normal position, he added. Lothar Matthaus admits the lure of Manchester City would be tough to turn down I wouldnt want to play as left forward if I normally play right-back. For example David Alaba had to play as central midfielder, despite the fact that he played his best games as left-back. But you have to accept that. Guardiola was always successful, but in Munich he didnt win the Champions League.He should have signed another contract in Munich. He can work with a top team and the trust from the Bayern officials. But after his contract expired, he had every right to sign somewhere else.Also See:Peps transfer policyWhats it like playing for Pep?What now for Toure?Who will join Pep at City? ' ' '