SAITAMA, Japan - China national team head coach Branko Ivankovic said "this was the most difficult night" for him after a humiliating 7-0 defeat against Japan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier here on Thursday.

"Japan is not only one of Asia's strongest teams but also a world-class team. We specifically focused on defense during our pre-match preparations, but we conceded too many goals during the game, and some of those should not have happened," said Ivankovic.

Asked about the tactical and player adjustments he made in the second half, Ivankovic explained that the first half had revealed some issues for the team, particularly Japan's second goal, which was scored just before halftime. In the second half, China bolstered their defense and tried to accelerate their transitions, but vulnerabilities in key areas allowed Japan to capitalize and score five more times.

"12 of the players on this national team are relatively new to international competition. The opponents in the final stage of Asian qualification are very strong, and such important games are valuable experiences, but also serve as lessons for younger players," Ivankovic noted.

The coach added that China still have nine more matches remaining in this stage of qualification, and said he would thoroughly analyze this match with the players and strengthen preparations.

This match marked not only China's worst ever defeat against Japan, but also the team's largest-ever loss in World Cup qualifiers.

"It was a tough match, and as a coach, this was the most difficult night for me," rued Ivankovic.