What are they talking about?

W: Hello, John . How was your French exam yesterday?
M: Not too good.
W: Well, the term exam is always more difficult. Work harder, and you’ll certainly do better next time.
M: I’ve worked hard enough, I think, but unluckily, I have never done well in the exam.
W:Well, it’s no use worrying about the exam now. Let’s talk about the football game tonight. It’s much more interesting.
M: Is there a football game on TV tonight?
W: Yes it’s between the Chinese team and the Japanese team.
M: ... Er I’d rather watch some other programmes.
W: Why? You’re so interested in football.
M: The Chinese team has always played badly in the important match, just as I have done in the important exam.