China's Asian Cup campaign is likely to mark the end of Marcello Lippi's time in charge and they beat Thailand 2-1 to reach the last eight.
China kept Marcello Lippi's dream of lifting the Asian Cup alive after they came from behind to beat Thailand 2-1 and clinch a place in the quarter-finals.
Supachai Jaided's goal broke the deadlock at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium as China struggled to deal with Thailand's quick passing and movement, but the War Elephants began to tire in the second half.
The game turned on its head inside four minutes when China substitute Xiao Zhi equalised from close range before Gao Lin converted a penalty.