Over the weekend, football enthusiasts across China experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as their national teams played in various matches. The highlight – or for many, the lowlight – was the senior national team’s unexpected draw against Malaysia.
Phoenix Hill Sports Park Stadium in Chengdu, the bustling capital of Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, buzzed with anticipation as more than 26,000 fans settled in to watch the home team play. Hopes were high for the Chinese team, currently standing 80th in the FIFA world rankings, as they squared off against Malaysia, a team ranked at the 136th position.
However, just 11 minutes into the game, Malaysia delivered a shock, netting the first goal and sending ripples of anxiety throughout the stadium. For 25 nerve-wracking minutes, fans held their breaths until China’s Lin Liangming came to the rescue with an equalizer. Yet, despite dominating ball possession at 67% and taking almost twice as many shots as their rivals, the Chinese team could not convert their efforts into a winning goal.
The game’s conclusion was met with visible frustration. Boos and cries for a refund echoed through the stadium. While such emotions are not uncommon in the world of sports, a video circulating on social media showcased the intensity of the fans’ feelings. It depicted a fan so infuriated by the match’s proceedings that he required medical attention and assistance from fellow supporters.
Post-match, Aleksandar Jankovic, the head coach of China’s national football team, was candid in his assessment. Accepting the team’s shortcomings, he empathized with the fans, acknowledging their unwavering support and the weight of their disappointment.
But as fans grappled with the senior team’s performance, they found solace in the younger teams’ endeavors. The under-15 national team, representing the future of Chinese football, showcased their potential by besting Japan in the Under-15 East Asian Championship final held in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong Province.
And in another thrilling encounter, the under-23 national team secured a last-minute victory against India. Naibijiang Mohemati’s goal in the 96th minute ensured that China didn’t witness two national teams drawing in a single evening.
However, for many, the weekend’s news also came with a sting. Reports arrived that Japan, China’s neighbors and long-standing football rivals, had clinched a dominant 4-1 win over former World Cup champions, Germany. This juxtaposition – Japan’s resounding victory and China’s struggle against Malaysia – prompted introspection among the fans. Some, like Xinli on Weibo, lamented the widening gap between China and Japan in football prowess.
Yet, hope remains. With a match against Syria looming, Jankovic views it as a chance for redemption. The coach remains optimistic, seeing it as an opportunity to rectify mistakes and reward the fans with a performance worthy of their fervent support.
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