China's men's football squad is out to prove the world that reaching the third round of the highly competitive 2018 World Cup qualifiers was not just a stroke of good luck as the team faces South Korea on Thursday.

China, the current world No. 78 in the latest FIFA World Rankings have been preparing hard for their match against the South Koreans, which sit at the 48^th spot in world rankings. The Dragons made their way this far after stunning Qatar and the Philippines with impressive 2-0 victories and upsetting the gallant North Koreans with a 3-2 triumph on the last day of round two.

Like Us on Facebook

According to Shanghai Daily, China is within a shouting distance from earning its ticket to the prestigious quadrennial international football tournament. The 21^st edition of FIFA World Cup will be held in Russia in two years.

The two top teams in Asia's two groups of six will progress and qualify for the World Cup.

In 2002, Chinas football team made its only World Cup appearance. The country has now set its sights on hosting and even winning the event.

First, the Chinese team needs to upset South Korea, which has reached nine World Cups - and has lost just once to China in the last three decades, according to Gulf Times.

Coach Gao Hongbo said underdog China was taking heart from its women's volleyball team, which upset Serbia in the final to win the gold medal at the Rio Olympics.

"Everyone in Korean football thinks that within Chinese football we lack fighting spirit, and we give up easily," Gao said. "But I'm hoping, this time, we can show an improvement in this area."

"China's women's volleyball team won the Olympic gold medal as an underdog in Rio. They fought with solidarity, and realized all of their potential," he added.

Tagsfifa, 2018 FIFA World Cup, chinese men's national football team, Gao Hongbo, 2016 Rio Olympics