For Chinese men, finally proud that they have international sports icons like the basketball star Yao Ming and the hurdler Liu Xiang, the soccer team endures as the ultimate symbol of emasculation.

• 中国人为有篮球巨星姚明和跨栏选手刘翔这样的国际体育明星骄傲，而男足则是他们最大的耻辱。