China national football team is one of the most prestigious teams in Asia, having participated in the AFC Asian Cup since 1976 and they have frequently considered as one of the contender for the Asian trophy in the tournament.
That's said, however, China had never lifted any Asian Cup title, having played in two finals and all ended with losses. Meanwhile, China also suffered embarrassing results, having been eliminated from the group stage three times. Some teams that have participated a bit later like Saudi Arabia, Japan, Iraq and Australia, both later were successful to lift their Asian Cup titles in respecting years, leaving China the only major Asian team to not win any Asian Cup trophy.
It was the first time ever China had hosted the Asian Cup. Previously, China was mostly known for hosting several youth and women's tournaments, but hosting such a big tournament like the Asian Cup was China's first time ever to do.[1] Having qualified to the 2002 World Cup two years ago, China was believed to be a tough contender, and they proved it until the final.
The tournament was considered as the most disappointing tournament for China since 1980, due to China went out very early in the group stage, despite being considered as a contender for the Asian Cup title. The shocking 0–3 defeat to Uzbekistan in the final match was the key reason behind the humiliating elimination, as Uzbekistan back then was not even considered as a tough opponent.
China failed to qualify for the second times in the Asian Cup, as they ended up again in the group stage. Their performance received criticisms from fans and medias.
The tournament was considered a success, as China for the first time ever, to win the group stage since 2004 and went into the quarter-finals, before eliminated by later champions and host Australia.
1 Considered a successor team by FIFA, or have competed under other name(s). 2 Israel was a member of the AFC until 1974. 3 Recognized by FIFA as defunct.