Chinese President Xi Jinping, elated over the friendship match between China and Germany, rallied behind the young Chinese soccer players and urged them to train vigorously and become international stars who will bring honor to the country.

President Xi said that efforts to develop the love for  soccer among Chinese youth should be  given priority as part of the government's sports development program.

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Student soccer training exchanges between China and Germany have helped promote soccer in both countries and President Xi  expressed optimism that China will once again be placed on the world soccer map as it was 20 years ago.

The president and first lady watched the junior football match between the young Chinese and German players in Berlin on Saturday.

The Chinese football players, mostly aged 10, are from Shaanxi and are undergoing training in Berlin under a sports exchange program.

President Xi told the children during a break in the game that they are the beacon of hope in promoting soccer among the Chinese youth.

He said he has been pushing for soccer development in China and hopes that the country will produce champions and international soccer stars among the youth.

China has been lagging behind in soccer matches worldwide for the past 20 years and President Xi has been pushing for developing the sports in China's sports programs.

He believes that starting them young is the key to producing great athletes and reclaiming the glory that China once had in soccer.

"It will play a guiding role in the development of China's youth soccer and make more youngsters devoted to soccer," Xi said.

President Xi also extended his good luck to Allain, Perrin, the newly appointed coach of China's national soccer team.

Perrin will be coaching the team in preparation for their outing in the Asian Cup that will be held in Australia in 2015.