The Chinese men's football Olympic team's 2-0 loss to its Japanese counterpart Monday night has hastened the appointment of a foreign head coach.

 

Sina.com, the world's largest Chinese Internet portal, reported Tuesday an announcement is expected to be made within a week.

 

An insider at Swiss Infront Sports and Media, the marketing partner of the Chinese soccer teams, has been quoted as saying the head coach has already been selected.

 

The designated candidate will come soon to China to helm the team.

 

(CRI August 8, 2006)