In the ongoing journey of the 2026 World Cup Asian Zone qualifiers, the Chinese national soccer team experienced mixed fortunes. Following a commendable 2-1 victory against Thailand, the team suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of South Korea in their second group match, held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. This loss puts China in a challenging position in Group C, which also includes Thailand and Singapore.
South Korea, with its flawless record, leads the group, while China is now tied with Thailand for second place. The team’s head coach, Alexander Jankovic, reflected on the loss to South Korea, emphasizing the need to learn from the match and improve, particularly in maintaining possession under pressure.
The initial matches have set a definitive tone for China’s campaign, highlighting both the strengths and areas needing improvement. The team’s prospects hinge on not just winning against Singapore and Thailand but also bridging the skill gap evident in the match against South Korea.
In recent games, China has seen the emergence of technically skilled players like winger Wei Shihao and midfielder Xie Pengfei. Their abilities in ball control and attacking play are crucial for China’s advancement. Wei, in particular, has demonstrated significant potential with his dynamic play, although concerns about his temperament and consistency remain, especially following a recent red card incident in the Asian Champions League.
Against Thailand, Wei’s quick thinking and agile play were instrumental in setting up a goal, but his absence in the match against South Korea, presumably due to tactical decisions, was felt. Xie, with his creative playmaking skills, also stands out as a vital asset for the team. However, his benching in the South Korea match raises questions about the team’s strategic choices.
Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in set pieces, were exposed in the South Korea match. The team conceded three goals, with the first resulting from a controversial penalty decision that sparked debates among fans. This aspect of the game needs urgent attention, as does the overall defensive strategy.
Looking ahead, China faces crucial matches against Singapore, where there is little room for error. The team’s composition, with an average starting lineup age of 30, also points to the need for integrating younger talent. Promising midfielders like Dai Weijun and Gao Tianyi could bring fresh energy and perspectives to the team.
As China prepares for the upcoming Asian Cup in Qatar in January 2024, the tournament presents an opportunity to fine-tune team dynamics and strategies in anticipation of the remaining World Cup qualifiers. The team’s performance in the Asian Cup could be pivotal in building momentum and confidence as they continue their quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
READ MORE: