Hopes fading

Ivankovic, however, reiterated his faith in the squad that he took charge of just over a year ago.

"We're not done yet, and our goal before the tournament, which was to finish in the top-four, is still within our reach," Ivankovic said through an interpreter after Team China, ranked 90th globally, endured its seventh loss in 12 matches under his stewardship on Tuesday.

"I am still confident for the two remaining matches in June, and I believe, with the domestic league going on, our players will reach better form by then," said the 71-year-old, who led Chinese Super League club Shandong to the domestic title in 2010.

Despite enjoying an overwhelming home support from 70,588 fans — a national record — at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, a loss to the 26th-ranked Socceroos was not unexpected for Team China.