China's men soccer team faces fan backlash after humiliating loss to arch-rivals Japan

China’s men’s soccer team suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Japan, losing 7-0 in a World Cup qualifier match. The loss has sparked significant reaction on social media, with Chinese fans expressing their humiliation and calling for changes within the team. China’s soccer ambitions, fueled by investments in the domestic league and high-profile players, have not translated into success on the field. In addition to performance issues, the soccer scene in the country has been marred by corruption scandals. The defeat to Japan adds a historical and geopolitical element to the disappointment felt by Chinese fans.