Then Chinese national team head coach Gao Hongbo in 2010 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Three days after guiding China to an unexpected spot in the final round of Asia's 2018 World Cup qualifiers, coach Gao Hongbo has dropped his title of "interim" on Friday and become the head coach of the team, according to Chinese Football Association.

Gao Hongbo was hailed by the CFA as the best candidate for head coach who is to lead the team to their last 12 campaign. "Under the interim spell of Gao, the team's spirit has underwent positive changes, Gao's ability won the trust and praises from the players and experts group," said CFA in a statement.

Gao, who coached the Chinese national team between 2009 and 2011, was named as the coach of China on an interim basis in February to guide the team for the last two rounds of Asian Zone preliminary qualifiers.

And after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Qatar, China climbed out of the early hole and became one of the top four second-placed teams, moving into the final round of the Asian qualifiers for the first time since 2001.

However, Gao didn't disclose his future in the team in post-match press conference, just said: "The coaching staff will be a combination of native and foreign coaches, and it needs a further negotiation to decide the head coach."

And the appointment also denied the rumor that the CFA has predetermined to name a foreign coach.

The highlights of Gao's first coaching period in national team were steering the team to the champion of East Asian Cup in 2010 and claiming a stunning 1-0 victory over France. But his team suffered an early exit in the 2011 Asian Cup which led to his dismissal in August.