(LUO XIAOGUANG)

Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho has taken over the role as the new head coach of China's national soccer team. He signed a three-year contract with the Chinese Football Association (CFA) on August 14.

"My (coaching) team and I are proud to join the Chinese national squad. Our goal for the moment is to try to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil. But we have a long-term plan for the future," said Camacho.

From 1973 to 1988, Camacho served in Spain's national team as one of its most famous players. He has coached Benfica, Espanyol, Osasuna, Real Madrid and Spain's national team since 1989.

Camacho will make his debut as the new head coach in the qualifying Group A opener of the 2014 Brazil World Cup against Singapore on September 2.

In years of miserable international performances and internal chaos, China's football has mired in many troubles such as corrupt senior officials, bribery, match-fixing, illegal gambling and crooked referees. It is also threatened by an ever-shrinking talent pool in recent years.

Camacho's appointment is widely recognized as part of the revival plan of the sport in China. The CFA expects Camacho to help instill a suitable playing style in the national team and also help improve China's youth talent training system.