Enthusiastic Chinese World Cup Fans Ready for Quarter Finals

Some abroad may assume that because China's football team didn't qualify for the 2010 World Cup, this would dampen the enthusiasm that Chinese fans have for the internationally renowned sport. In the big cities at least, it appears that nothing could be further from the truth.

This year's World Cup, espoused with innovative technology and a completely unpredictable group stage round, has led to unprecedented exposure in China.

Andrea Hunt has more:

China may not be playing, but it doesn't mean they aren't watching. On the other hand, in America many soccer fans lament that even though America qualifies, there are not as many enthusiasts compared to other countries. In comparison, here in China, the number of fans, and venues from which to see the games, is actually quite impressive.

Julius Zhu from Wuhu, Anhui Province is a DMG Entertainment strategy manager in Beijing. He is also a long-time fan who never misses a chance to round up his friends and watch the games while drinking beer and eating BBQ'd lamb sticks-affectionately dubbed "chuanr" in Beijing.

He says that while the Chinese are known for fully embracing basketball on TV, it doesn't mean they aren't into football when it comes to international competitions.

"I don't think soccer is more popular than NBA you know? But I think the World Cup is big worldwide so people like it, and I think this time, many people I think they don't watch football in the normal days but they like to watch the World Cup TV shows, such as me."

Mr. Zhu says Chinese fans can get a bit disheartened at times, pointing out that sometimes it feels like their national men's football team does cause them to lose face a bit. Still, the Chinese are enthusiastic about supporting other teams.

Personally, Zhu supports Brazil and other South American teams.