“We began this work in June 2024 where we developed our game model through training and friendlies, culminating in the final stages during our camp in Abha,” said da Silva.

“We're currently working on some adjustments and focusing on the smallest details. We have all the players we wanted available and we are ready to compete at the highest level during the competition.

“The first match will always be a nervous one but we will try to keep them calm and give them confidence and our motivation is to be together and represent our country well.”

China PR are also two-time champions, having won in 1992 and 2004 but have not made it past the group in any of their five last appearances.

China PR finished second in Group C and qualified as one of the five best runners-up.

Kenichi Uemura’s side finished on 10 points, the same as Korea Republic but with an inferior goal difference after their match ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

A training camp was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates prior to their arrival in Taif with Uemura looking to get China PR off to a good start as they go in search of a place in the knockout stage, which will also seal them a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025. 

Venue: King Fahd Sports City Stadium (Taif)

Kick-off: Thursday, 20:15 (UTC+3)