Ironically, China's first match, against Costa Rica, fell on the anniversary of the suppression of the Chinese pro-democracy movement in Tiananmen Square.

Hopes were high for an historic win for the team

Fans who could not travel to the game crowded the streets of Beijing in front of giant TV screens

While workers downed tools for the afternoon to watch the match

Chinese authorities kept a watchful eye in case of protests in Tiananmen Square

Fans inside the stadium in Gwangju flew the flag for their national team

But the 2-0 loss was heartbreaking for both players and fans