China’s National Football Team Shows Spirit, But Set-Piece Weakness DoomsWorld Cup Qualifying Bid
A 1-3 defeat to Japan highlights China’s progress but exposes persistent defensive vulnerabilities.
Xiamen, China – November 19, 2024 – In a World Cup qualifyingmatch brimming with national pride and palpable tension, China’s national football team (国足) suffered a 1-3 defeat against Japan at the XiamenBai Lu Stadium. While the team demonstrated a significant improvement in spirit and overall play compared to their 0-7 drubbing in the first leg, a recurring weakness in defending set pieces ultimately proved their undoing. The loss leavesGroup C of the Asian qualifiers in a chaotic three-way tie, with China, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia all on 6 points after six matches.
The match, played before a passionate crowd of 45,336, saw China adopt a 4-3-1-2 formation under coach Aleksandar Ivanović. Several changes to the starting lineup were necessitated by injuries and suspensions. While the team showcased improved attacking play, culminating in a goal by Lin Liangming, their inability to effectively defend corner kicks proved decisive.Japan capitalized on two set-piece opportunities to score, ultimately securing the victory.
The disparity in squad value underscored the gulf in class between the two teams. China’s starting XI boasted a combined market value of €4.7 million, dwarfed by Japan’s €140 million. This significantdifference reflects the considerable investment and development within Japanese football. This defeat continues a troubling trend for China, who have now lost all three encounters against Japan in the past two World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Despite the loss, Ivanović praised his team’s effort and spirit. The players gave their all onthe field, showcasing their true abilities, he stated in a post-match interview. We need to work harder, perform better, and a little bit of luck would have given us a more reasonable result. He acknowledged the importance of their recent two-game winning streak, which had temporarily boosted morale and confidence.
The Japanese team, having had their previous match against Indonesia postponed due to weather, arrived in Xiamen with a shortened preparation period of only four days. Manager Hajime Moriyasu rotated his squad, resting key players like Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan, who were relegated to the bench. Thistactical decision, however, did little to hinder Japan’s ability to exploit China’s defensive frailties.
The result leaves China’s World Cup qualification hopes hanging in the balance. While the team demonstrated a marked improvement in their overall performance, the persistent vulnerability to set-piece goals remains a significant concern.The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether China can navigate the increasingly complex group standings and secure a place in the next stage of the competition. The team’s ability to address their defensive weaknesses will be paramount in their quest for qualification.
References:
*澎湃新闻. (2024, November 19). 1比3不敌日本！国足打出精气神，无奈定位球防守成顽疾. [Online news article]. Retrieved from [Insert original news source URL here]
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