As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying tournament intensifies, China, under the management of Aleksandar Jankovic, is gearing up for its opening match against Thailand on June 16. This crucial away game marks the beginning of China’s journey in the second round of the qualifiers, setting the stage for a series of intense matchups.
Jankovic, in an interview, emphasized the importance of understanding the competition’s demands, underscoring the need to closely observe and analyze all opponents to gauge the required intensity level. He firmly believes that maintaining a consistent level of intensity is key to achieving good results. With the team’s clear target to qualify for the World Cup, Jankovic highlights the necessity of identifying players who can sustain high-intensity play not just for a single 90-minute match but across multiple games, especially given the tight scheduling of the tournament.
In preparation for the challenges ahead, Jankovic has made strategic choices in team selection. Notably, he recruited Zhang Yuning from Beijing Guoan, despite Zhang’s recent recovery from an injury and limited playtime in the current Chinese Super League season. Jankovic sees Zhang as a future cornerstone for the national team, especially in the deep striker role, a position where the team lacks depth.
Further bolstering the squad, Jankovic has tapped into the talent pool of the Chinese Under-24 national team, which competed in the 19th Asian Games. Contrary to treating them as inexperienced, Jankovic regards these players as mature and well-prepared for high-level football, given their ages of around 23 or 24. This perspective reflects a broader strategy of integrating youth and experience to build a resilient and versatile team.
China’s upcoming match against Thailand is significant, marking the first encounter between the two teams since 2019. Thailand’s recent performances, including a heavy loss to Georgia and a draw against Estonia in European friendlies, provide valuable insights for Jankovic’s preparation. The manager plans to focus on China’s strengths and playing style, encouraging the team to stick to their established routines and values, forcing Thailand to adapt to their game.
Looking beyond the Thailand match, China is set to host South Korea in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on November 21. This home game poses a considerable challenge, as South Korea is renowned as one of Asia’s top teams, boasting players from European clubs. Jankovic acknowledges the difficulty but remains unwavering in his approach. He stresses the importance of matching South Korea in terms of mentality, desire, and team spirit. Winning is the ultimate goal, and Jankovic believes that with a strong mentality and collective effort, China can aspire to make a significant impact in the qualifiers.
In summary, as China embarks on its journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jankovic’s strategy focuses on understanding the competition’s intensity, strategically integrating young talent, and maintaining a consistent playing style. With key matches against Thailand and South Korea, China aims to demonstrate its prowess and secure its position in the world of international football.
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