On December 1, 2001 China was drawn in a favourable group with teams from Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica for the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals. "We know Brazil will be difficult but that's okay." said China's Yugoslav coach Bora Milutionvic. "Brazil are still Brazil. But the match against Costa Rica will be particularly a special occasion." Many Chinese football fans are optimistic about China's chances of progressing from this group. 

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2001年12月1日，中国队在2002年世界杯决赛小组抽签中与巴西、土耳其、哥斯达黎加分在一组，形势有利。“我知道巴西不好对付，不过，这没关系。”中国队南斯拉夫籍主教练米卢说，“巴西队毕竟是巴西队。不过，对哥斯达黎加的比赛是一个非常特别的机会。”许多足球迷对中国队从该小组出线表示乐观。