July 21^st, in the match of China's East Asian Cup opener at Seoul Olympic Stadium on Sunday, Chinese men's football team earned a 3-3 draw against Japan. From the Chinese players' performance on the field, we can see this time they chose to play hard with their militant spirit.

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Since the 1-5 crushing defeat against Thailand in a warm-up match, these players' reputations have been battered. And the former head coach of the Chinese men's national team was also fired after that shameful match. This time, China is couched by caretaker Fu Bo, following the departure of Jose Antonio Camacho.

After the start of the match against Japan, China scored after just five minutes when Japan defender Yuzo Kurihara took Yu Dabao down in the box and Wang Yongbo converted the ensuing penalty.

Japan probed in search of an equalizer and although Haraguchi Genki wasted a good chance, Kurihara made amends for his earlier error in the 33^rd minute when he headed the equalizer from close range.

In the second half, Japan burst out of the blocks and they took the lead on 59^th minutes, as Yoichiro Kakitani headed home Tomoaki Makino's cross. And Masato Kudo widened the lead to 3-1 two minutes later.

However, Chinese players didn't give up. On 82^nd minutes, Wang Yongpo hit the bar for China and scored his second penalty of the game after Japan captain Yuichi Komano was adjudged to have fouled Zhang Xizhe. China's pressure paid off as Sun rounded off the scoring with a volley at the far post.

Though Chinese men's team didn't achieve a victory in their first match of East Asian Cup, the courage Chinese men's team showed in the football pitch inspires Chinese football fans a lot. At least, their positive attitude and hard-working spirit for the match is laudability.