NANCHANG, China, Nov. 13 -- China coach Alan Perrin pointed the first match against Saudi Arabia as a must-win game for China's survival from Group B at the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.

"Personally my aim is always to win every game," said the Frenchman at a press conference before an international friendly against New Zealand here on Thursday. "And the first game is the most crucial one. If we want to qualify for the knockout stage we must beat our first opponent."

Grouped with Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea at next year's Asian Cup, China will play Saudi Arabia firstly on Jan. 10 in Brisbane, before meeting the Uzbekistan and DPR Korea.

The Chinese Football Association have not made public the task for Perrin at the Asian Cup, but Chinese media predicted that the CFA's bottom line is a knockout stage ticket.

"I've already have a framework for our squad at the Asian Cup, but I will announce it after our training camp in December," said the former French powerhouse Lyon boss.

China will have several warm-up games after the friendly with the Kiwis on Friday. Perrin's side will play Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, and Oman before their first game at the Asian football showpiece event in Australia in January.