TOKYO, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- The British-born Chinese defender Jiang Guangtai said on Tuesday that Team China's goal is to keep a clean sheet in the upcoming World Cup Asian qualifier against Japan.

Jiang, who returned to the team last Sunday after a short break in Dubai, said that he has trained most days in Dubai and keeps in good shape.

"The new coaching team is all very friendly. Everybody has the same goal, hopefully we can achieve that," Jiang noted. "We conceded one goal in the first leg match with Japan (China lost 1-0). In terms of defence, the only thing we need to do is not concede any goals this time."

"I want to celebrate the Chinese new year with victories this year," he added.

China is scheduled to play against Japan in Tokyo on January 27, and then meets Vietnam in Hanoi on February 1, also the Chinese Lunar New Year.

With four games remaining in the final round of the Asian qualifiers, China now ranks fifth in the six-team Group B with five points and still has a glimmer of hope to make it into the 2022 World Cup.