As the 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off, China’s national football team is once again gearing up for a daunting challenge. The team will face off against one of Asia’s football powerhouses, Japan, in the first match of the Asian Zone’s Round of 18 on September 5. The question on everyone’s mind is: Are the Chinese ready to take on the might of the Japanese national team?
A Daunting Task Ahead
The Chinese team finds itself in a group with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Indonesia, with the top two teams advancing directly to the World Cup finals. The opening match against Japan is a stern test, given the significant gap in strength between the two sides.
Historically, China has struggled against Japan, with a record of 6 wins, 6 draws, and 11 losses in 23 encounters. Their last victory over Japan dates back to 1998, a span of 26 years. Since then, the Chinese have managed only 6 draws and 7 losses against their eastern neighbors.
The Japanese team, bolstered by stars like Takumi Minamino of Liverpool and Takefusa Kubo, boasts a squad with 20 players plying their trade abroad. Their collective market value stands at a staggering 289.98 million euros, with Kubo valued at 50 million euros. In contrast, China’s squad is valued at just 1.103 million euros, with Wu Lei being the most valuable at 150,000 euros. The disparity is stark and reflects the current state of football development and player strength between the two nations.
A Strategy for Success
Despite the apparent deficit in strength, China’s head coach, Srecko Katanec, remains undeterred. He has selected a squad that, while not laden with stars, possesses the ability to compete against the Japanese. The team has seen a shift in personnel, with several new faces replacing familiar ones, as Katanec looks to revamp the core of the squad. This injection of fresh talent could potentially breathe new life into the team.
In terms of naturalized players, Katanec has adopted a pragmatic approach. Players like Zeng Guangtai, Fei Nan, and Alan have proven their worth in the domestic league. With a diverse attacking lineup that includes the likes of Wu Lei, Zhang Yuning, and Baha, Katanec’s forwards offer a variety of styles that could pose problems for the Japanese defense.
However, the Chinese team’s primary focus will be on defense. The domestic-based defenders will face a stern test against Japan’s potent attack, featuring players from Europe’s top leagues. The Chinese will need to rely on solid teamwork, regional defense, and timely tackles to keep the scoreline manageable.
An Underdog’s Hope
The Chinese team has had the benefit of a 10-day training camp in Dalian before arriving in Japan for the match. In contrast, the Japanese team only began training on September 2. This extra preparation time could help bridge the gap in on-paper strength.
Both teams are entering the match with uncertainty. The Japanese have a history of losing their opening matches in the last two World Cup qualifying campaigns, with their coach, Katanec, being the architect of one of those losses. The Chinese will hope to capitalize on any vulnerabilities in Japan’s possession-based style of play.
The general consensus among fans is to acknowledge the gap in quality between China and the likes of Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. The aim is to limit the number of losses, secure victories against Bahrain and Indonesia, and aim for a spot in the playoffs as either the third or fourth-place team in the group.
As the Chinese team heads to Japan without the support of their fans, there is a sense of realism but also a hope that the pressure-free environment will allow them to focus solely on the task at hand. With the memory of a dramatic revival in the group stage of the last qualifying campaign still fresh, the Chinese team is determined to give their all. Whether their World Cup dream will be realized or shattered remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they will fight to the end.
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