Missing out once again, China dreams of future World Cup glory

As 48 soccer teams from around the world, from tiny strivers to sporting powerhouses, descended on North America this month, many viewers could be forgiven for wondering “where’s China?” The world’s second-largest economy has only competed in one World Cup – in 2002 – a perennial source of irritation and embarrassment for home fans, who must bear the bemusement of the global soccer community every four years when they, once again, miss out on its biggest party. This year, even with an expanded number of teams participating, China didn’t come close to qualifying, crashing out in the third round of…